A well-known illegal mining operator, Iddrisu Zakari, widely called “Yaayaa,” has been arrested in a sting operation at Bonsu after he allegedly tried to interfere with investigations into his activities.
Security officials confirmed that the arrest occurred on Monday, November 10, 2025, around 6:06 p.m., following a planned meeting between Zakari and NAIMOS operatives, who had been monitoring him for several weeks.
This came after he attempted to negotiate the release of his arrested accomplices and stop ongoing investigations into his activities.
According to sources, Zakari had tried to influence the probe into his galamsey operations within the Osino Residential Area while seeking the release of his detained accomplices.
The arrest follows a November 7 raid on one of Zakari’s mining sites by NAIMOS, which led to the apprehension of 32 Nigerien nationals and four Ghanaian guards armed with machetes.
Officials say Zakari has since been handed over to the Ghana Police Service to assist with further investigations.
