As part of the fight against the illegal exploitation of mineral resources, the Saraya Gendarmerie Brigade, supported by GARSI, carried out a large-scale operation which led to the dismantling of an illegal gold mining site in the department of Saraya.

On Saturday, January 4, 2026, between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., elements of the Saraya Gendarmerie Brigade, supported by the Rapid Action Surveillance and Intervention Group (GARSI) based in Saïensoutou, conducted a surprise operation in the village of Baninkhoto, commune of Missirah, department of Saraya.

A site in the middle of the bush has been dismantled.

The illegal gold mining site was located in the bush, near the Falémé River. This targeted operation resulted in the complete destruction of seventeen (17) spitting machines used for illegal gold extraction.

During this operation, law enforcement also seized a motorcycle and eleven (11) motor pumps used for the fraudulent exploitation of the gold site, Seneweb learned from Colonel Ibrahima Ndiaye.

The Kédougou Gendarmerie Legion, under the command of Colonel Kaba, reaffirms its unwavering determination to fight delinquency and crime in all its forms, particularly the illegal exploitation of gold mining areas which causes significant economic and environmental damage.

The National Gendarmerie reminds the public that its Call Centre can be reached free of charge at the numbers 800 00 20 20 or 123, for any useful information or details concerning suspicious or illegal activities.

This operation is part of the policy to combat the uncontrolled exploitation of mineral resources in Senegal and to protect the environment in gold-bearing areas.