The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has conducted a massive dawn operation at Osino in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern Region, leading to the arrest of 36 individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities.

The operation, carried out on Saturday, November 8, 2025, forms part of intensified efforts by the government to clamp down on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, which continues to threaten Ghana’s water bodies and environment.

According to officials from NAIMOS, those apprehended include 32 Nigerien nationals and four Ghanaians who were allegedly operating at various illegal mining sites in the area. The suspects were taken into custody after a coordinated swoop involving intelligence-led operations by security personnel at dawn.

Equipment believed to have been used for the illicit mining activity was also seized during the exercise.

The Secretariat noted that the operation followed weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering on the activities of foreign nationals engaged in illegal mining in parts of the Eastern Region.

The arrested individuals are expected to be handed over to the appropriate authorities for screening, prosecution, and possible repatriation where necessary.

NAIMOS reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the nationwide campaign against illegal mining and warned that such operations would be intensified across all regions.

The Secretariat also urged local communities to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to aid in the fight against galamsey.