How NAIMOS officers faced cutlasses, guns during Subin operation

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has revealed how its officers faced resistance from a group of individuals armed with cutlasses, firearms and other weapons during an operation at Subin Akwaaboso in the Central Region.

According to NAIMOS, the incident occurred on Sunday afternoon, November 1, 2026, when its members of the Special Boat Squadron (SBS) carried out an operation to arrest suspected illegal miners.

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In a statement issued on Monday, November 2, 2026, and signed by Paa Kwesi Schandorf, Spokesperson for NAIMOS, the Secretariat said the group of individuals resisted the operation, creating a security risk for its personnel and others present at the scene.

“During the operation, the NAIMOS personnel and members of the Special Boat Squadron (SBS) faced considerable resistance from a group of individuals, some of whom were wielding cutlasses, firearms and other offensive weapons which created risk for the personnel and others present,” the statement read.

NAIMOS said its enforcement team, led by the Director of Operations, Colonel K. S. Appiah, had to exercise restraint and take measures to prevent the situation from escalating.

“In the face of the obstruction, the enforcement team, under the direction of the NAIMOS Director of Operations, Colonel K. S. Appiah, exercised maximum restraint and took decisive measures to prevent further escalation,” it disclosed.

Some of the suspected illegal miners were, however, arrested and taken into custody despite their resistance.

NAIMOS said it would not tolerate attempts to obstruct its lawful operations and that individuals suspected of attacking its personnel or interfering with its work would not be spared.

“Considering the obstruction encountered, NAIMOS wishes to reiterate that any obstruction of lawful enforcement is a serious concern and individuals suspected of attacking personnel or obstructing operations will be referred to the relevant authorities for necessary action,” NAIMOS warned.

The Secretariat also stressed its commitment to carrying out its duties within the law while taking necessary measures to protect its personnel, accompanying journalists and members of the public.

It has therefore urged community leaders and residents to support its operations and channel any concerns through the appropriate authorities.

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NAIMOS further said it would continue working with security agencies, regulatory institutions and local communities, with support from the government and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, to protect the environment and sustain efforts to fight illegal mining.

Read the statement below:

MAG/BAI

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