The National Intelligence and Monitoring of Small-Scale Mining Operations (NAIMOS) has arrested a notorious illegal mining kingpin, Iddrisu Zakari, popularly known as Yaayaa, for his alleged involvement in unlawful mining activities at Osino in the Eastern Region.
The arrest, which took place on Monday, November 10, 2025, around 6:06 p.m., followed a planned meeting between Zakari and operatives from NAIMOS. The suspect had allegedly sought to negotiate the release of his arrested accomplices and influence the outcome of the investigation into his illegal mining operations within the Osino Residential Area.
According to NAIMOS officials, the arrest was part of a broader intelligence-led operation aimed at dismantling illegal mining networks operating in the region.
The development follows a November 7, 2025, raid on Zakari’s galamsey site, during which 32 Nigerien nationals and four Ghanaian machete-wielding guards were arrested.
During that operation, NAIMOS task force officers discovered extensive evidence of illegal mining activity believed to be linked to Zakari’s network. He has since been handed over to the Ghana Police Service for further investigations.
A senior NAIMOS official, confirming the arrest, stated that the operation underscores the task force’s zero-tolerance approach to illegal mining and its financiers.
He added that further investigations are underway to track the full extent of Zakari’s network and identify other collaborators.
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