In a targeted security operation, a well-known illegal mining, or galamsey, gang leader was taken into custody by a joint team of troops working with the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).
A planned sweep led to the suspect’s capture, who was identified as a major player in the frequent attacks on taskforce members at illegal mining sites.
Officers found an unregistered pump-action shotgun and other weapons during the raid that were allegedly utilised in violent altercations with anti-galamsey personnel.
The infamous commander is one among the four suspects detained by NAIMOS, along with Alpha Musa, 28, Rahaman Rojer, 29, Laji Bengali, 25, and Mohammed Agana, 25, for allegedly actively participating in the illegal mining operation and providing protection.
With the help of soldiers, the crew was able to retrieve two pump-action shotguns, ammo, talismans and cell phones, machetes, a water pump, and excavator parts from the Galamsey operation that contaminates forests and rivers.
The accused have been turned over to Esiama police after they allegedly guarded the location and resisted being taken into custody.
After weeks of patrolling in the hotspot area amid armed resistance from illegal miners, the arrests were made.
Source: newsthemegh.com