Police in the Eastern South Regional Command are investigating five suspects arrested for allegedly impersonating officials of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).

The suspects: Moses Tapiam, 43; Christopher Amakor, 29; Casimir Nunekpeku, 29; Wisdom Miwonuko, 35; and Paul Agbanu, 53; were taken into custody on Friday, January 2, 2026, for allegedly dressing in security uniforms and claiming to be NAIMOS operatives deployed from Accra.

According to police, the suspects moved from one mining site to another in Akwadum, in the Abuakwa South Municipality near Kibi, where they allegedly extorted money from miners at various spots under the guise of conducting official operations.

They were arrested by a legitimate NAIMOS team at Akwadum while travelling in a Mitsubishi 4×4 pick-up vehicle with registration number GS 536-25. The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Eastern South Regional Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Kibi for further investigations.

The five suspects remain in police custody and are assisting with investigations. Police say they will be arraigned before court in due course.

In a statement, the police cautioned the public against impersonating security personnel, stressing that such acts constitute a criminal offence.

“Residents, especially those who impersonate security officers, are advised to desist from the act since it constitutes an offence,” the statement said. “The public is assured that persons holding themselves out as such will be arrested and prosecuted.”