The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has carried out a deliberate night raid on a notorious galamsey site at Armouri in the Aowin Municipality of the Western North Region, arresting seven illegal miners and destroying several makeshift structures, including a shrine allegedly controlled by one of the miners.
Joynews reporters confirmed the operation and said security personnel seized two pump-action guns and 33 cartridges from the site.
The night raid highlights growing efforts by NAIMOS to target organised galamsey operations, particularly those that are heavily armed or fortified.
Illegal mining in the Western North Region has continued to pose serious environmental and social challenges, including water pollution, deforestation, and land degradation.
Officials noted that the structures destroyed during the raid were used by the miners for operational and spiritual purposes, and the shrine was reportedly linked to attempts at protecting their illegal activities. The seven arrested individuals are currently in police custody as investigations continue.
Illegal mining remains a significant national concern, prompting coordinated actions by security agencies under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
NAIMOS has urged community members to cooperate with enforcement teams and report any suspicious activities to help curb the proliferation of galamsey.
The operation in Armouri is the latest in a series of targeted interventions by NAIMOS aimed at dismantling illegal mining networks and reducing the environmental impact of galamsey across the country.
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