The National Anti Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has raided illegal mining sites in Akyem Oda, Birim Central Municipality, arresting five Chinese nationals for illicit mining along the Birim River.

Two excavators were seized and immobilised, along with a Toyota Hilux and a Toyota Land Cruiser used by the miners.

Makeshift structures, water pumps, and other mining equipment were destroyed during the operation on Monday December 29.

NAIMOS says it will continue targeting illegal mining along major water bodies during the festive season to curb environmental pollution.