NAIMOS and Ashanti REGSEC Smash Major Illegal Mining Network in Oda River Forest Reserve

A joint security operation by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has dismantled a sprawling illegal mining network operating deep within the Oda River Forest Reserve in Ghana’s Ashanti Region.

The intelligence-driven raid, carried out on October 23, 2025, resulted in the arrest of several illegal miners and nine armed men who had been impersonating National Security operatives.

According to NAIMOS officials, the impostors—clad in khaki uniforms—claimed to be acting under the command of a man identified as “Major Jabari.” A search of their belongings revealed a pistol loaded with three rounds, a toy pistol, a pump-action shotgun, cartridges, and handcuffs. These items were seized as evidence while investigations continue.

During the operation, taskforce members also foiled a bribery attempt when two men driving a Toyota Tundra and a Ram pickup allegedly offered GH₵120,000 to secure the release of arrested miners. The suspects were immediately detained for attempting to bribe security personnel.

Security sources said the team deployed three tactical units across the reserve to secure major access routes and block escape paths. Several illegal miners were captured as they tried to flee on motorbikes, with some confessing that they had been tipped off ahead of the raid.

Further inspection of the reserve revealed extensive destruction to the environment—massive deforestation, polluted water bodies, and degraded land. Operatives uncovered a makeshift settlement where the miners lived and worked, complete with wooden shacks and tents used as their operational base. All structures and mining equipment found on site were dismantled and destroyed to prevent future reoccupation.

Commenting on the successful mission, Colonel Dominic Buah, Director of Operations at NAIMOS, described the exercise as “a model of inter-agency coordination and enforcement excellence.” He commended the professionalism of the operatives and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring Ghana’s forest reserves.

“No person, group, or impostor will be allowed to exploit our natural resources with impunity,” Colonel Buah declared. “NAIMOS will continue to work closely with the Regional Security Councils to identify, disrupt, and dismantle illegal mining networks nationwide.”

The Oda River Forest Reserve operation marks a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing campaign to reclaim and rehabilitate degraded forest zones. NAIMOS says the collaborative model used in this exercise will guide future missions across the country to protect Ghana’s natural resources for generations to come.