Personnel of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) faced armed resistance from suspected illegal miners during an operation at Subin Akwaaboso in the Central Region.
The clash happened on Sunday, November 1, 2026, when a NAIMOS team, backed by the Special Boat Squadron (SBS), stormed the community to arrest suspected galamsey operators.
According to NAIMOS, some persons at the site put up strong resistance, with several allegedly brandishing cutlasses, guns and other offensive weapons, threatening the lives of the officers and others present.
In a statement released on Monday, November 2, the Secretariat said the attack made the operation extremely difficult for its officers who were acting under the instructions of its Director of Operations, Colonel K. S. Appiah.
NAIMOS said its team exercised maximum restraint and took firm steps to de-escalate the situation. The Secretariat however, warned that attacks on its officers and obstruction of lawful duties will not be tolerated, adding that persons involved will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for action.
It reiterated its commitment to operate within the law, stressing that it will take necessary and proportionate measures to protect its personnel, journalists who accompany them, and the public.
The Secretariat also assured of continued collaboration with security agencies, regulators and local communities, with backing from government and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, to clamp down on illegal mining and safeguard the environment.
