Personnel of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) have arrested four armed suspects following a violent confrontation at an illegal mining site in Anbanzie, Western Region.

The operation, which took place on February 9, 2026, was met with stiff resistance from about 15 individuals armed with cutlasses and adorned in cowries, who attempted to block the taskforce’s advance. The operatives, however, held their ground and successfully overpowered the attackers.

Those apprehended are Massawudu Alhassan, 34; Zuberu Ahmidu, 32; William Boateng, 28; and Ernest Abeka, 22.

Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspects were part of a 28-member security detail hired by the site owner to protect the illegal mining operation.

Colonel Dominic Buah, Director of Operations at NAIMOS, issued a firm warning to persons engaged in such illicit activities, stressing that personnel would not hesitate to defend themselves when confronted with hostility.

The suspects have since been transferred to the Salma Police Station for further investigation and likely prosecution.