The National Security Coordinating Secretariat (NSCS) has revoked the appointment of one operative and initiated disciplinary proceedings against two others for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities within the Oda River Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region.
This follows an intelligence-led operation on October 23, by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC).
The mission led to the dismantling of an illegal mining network, resulting in the arrest of fifteen illegal miners and nine armed individuals who falsely claimed to be National Security operatives. The imposters were reportedly found in possession of a pistol, a pump-action shotgun, and handcuffs.
Subsequently, the NSCS launched an internal personnel audit, which uncovered three names corresponding with individuals detained in the operation. One of them, Issah Yakubu, a temporary operative formerly stationed at the Yapei Axle Weight Station, was later confirmed by colleagues to have been involved in the illegal mining activities.
The National Security Coordinator has since ordered the immediate revocation of Yakubu’s appointment and directed that he be prosecuted if found culpable.
Meanwhile, the two other operatives identified in the audit are currently under investigation and face summary disciplinary action, including possible termination and prosecution, should their involvement be substantiated.
The Secretariat reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, warning that any officer found complicit in illegal mining or other criminal activity will face swift and decisive sanctions.
