Security authorities have arrested a group of suspected illegal miners, most believed to be Malian nationals, along the Farmington River in Lower Margibi County. The suspects are under investigation for allegedly attempting to engage in unauthorized gold mining.
The suspects were taken to the Roberts International Airport (RIA) Police Detachment on Monday, August 3, 2026, for questioning after authorities received information that they were allegedly attempting to engage in illegal mining activities while posing as licensed miners.
The alleged leader of the group, identified as Varfee Kanneh, declined to comment when approached by journalists and refused to answer questions regarding the allegations.
Following preliminary investigations, authorities at the RIA Police Detachment transferred the suspects to the Liberia Immigration Service for further investigation. The case has since been forwarded to Monrovia, where investigators from the ministry of Lands Mines and Energy are continuing their inquiries.
During questioning by Verity News, one of the suspects, a Malian national identified as Jallah, claimed that the group traveled to Margibi County through the assistance of a man he identified as Ababu Dukely. According to Jallah, repeated attempts to contact Dukely after their arrest were unsuccessful.
Jallah further stated that the group had traveled to the Farmington River to mine gold but initially intended to assess and test the area before beginning operations.
The incident has raised concerns among residents, with many Liberians calling on the government to strengthen border security and increase protection of the country’s forests, rivers, and mineral resources from illegal exploitation by foreign nationals.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing, and no formal charges have yet been announced against the suspects as of this publication.
