The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested Iddrisu Zakari, popularly known as “Yaayaa”, a notorious illegal mining kingpin operating within the Osino Residential Area in the Eastern Region.
Zakari was picked up at Bonsu at about 6:06 p.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025, after he allegedly agreed to meet with NAIMOS operatives to negotiate the release of his arrested accomplices and halt ongoing investigations into his mining operations.
His arrest follows a major raid conducted by NAIMOS on Friday, November 7, 2025, at one of his illegal mining sites, where 32 Nigerien nationals and 4 Ghanaian machete-wielding guards were apprehended.
Sources within the taskforce described the Monday operation as a “strategic follow-up,” aimed at dismantling the leadership behind illegal mining networks in the region.
Zakari has since been handed over to the Ghana Police Service for further investigation and possible prosecution.
NAIMOS has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining nationwide operations against illegal mining and urged the public to support the ongoing campaign to “Stop Galamsey Now.”
