As part of the fight against illegal gold mining in eastern Senegal, the Rapid Action Surveillance and Intervention Group No. 2 (GARSI 2) conducted a large-scale operation on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in the locality of Bambadji in Kédougou. This operation resulted in the arrest of seventeen people and the seizure of a significant amount of mining equipment, revealed Colonel Ibrahima Ndiaye.

The gendarmes of GARSI 2 targeted an illegal mining site in the Bambadji area. This operation is part of the authorities' efforts to eradicate illegal gold mining, which causes significant environmental damage and escapes all regulation.

The operation carried out on Tuesday resulted in the arrest of seventeen individuals suspected of illegal mining operations on this site.

Beyond the arrests, law enforcement seized equipment revealing the scale of the clandestine activity. The haul included thirty-eight generators, forty jackhammers, seventeen motorcycles, and one tricycle.

The investigation was entrusted to the Saraya brigade.

The seventeen people arrested were taken into custody and placed at the disposal of the Saraya territorial brigade, according to Seneweb sources. Investigators are continuing their inquiries to determine the extent of the network and identify any accomplices.

The National Gendarmerie is taking advantage of this operation to appeal to the public. It invites citizens to report any suspicious activity or useful information free of charge by calling the toll-free numbers 800 00 20 20 or 123.

This collaboration between law enforcement and local communities remains essential to overcome the illegal gold mining that is plaguing the Kédougou region.