The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has appealed for increased financial and logistical backing to intensify its crackdown on illegal mining activities across the country.
Speaking at the NAIMOS Editors’ Forum and Quarterly Press Briefing on March 25, the Director of Operations, Dominic Buah, said the Secretariat’s effectiveness is being hampered by inadequate resources, particularly the lack of operational vehicles.
“We need vehicles, we need money, we need all the resources,” he stated, stressing that additional support is critical to sustaining ongoing anti-galamsey efforts.
He further called on corporate institutions and non-governmental organisations to contribute to the cause, assuring transparency and public recognition for any assistance received. “Corporate bodies who want to support, why not? We will acknowledge you and then make it known to the whole nation,” he added.
Despite the constraints, Col. Buah acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources over the past ten months.
On the ground, NAIMOS operations have increasingly faced resistance from illegal miners, raising safety concerns for personnel. In response, Col. Buah issued a firm warning against any violent confrontation with the task force.
“We will not stand and watch anyone use weapons against us. We are better trained in weapons and therefore warn that anybody who dares, NAIMOS will deal with them ruthlessly,” he cautioned.
He emphasized that operatives are prepared to defend themselves if attacked, adding: “It is a problem we are trying to address, and we have the right to self-defence, and let no galamseyer miss that. If you go to the field with weapons and you try to fire them, a lot more will be at you.”
