The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has confirmed the shutdown of an illegal mining site in Damau, Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
According to a statement released on Monday by his media aide, Segun Tomori, the site, rich in tin, was lawfully owned by Trobell Minerals Limited but had been taken over by illegal miners for several months.
The minister said the operation was carried out by the Mining Marshals using intelligence gathering, dialogue with the community, and help from traditional leaders. No violence was recorded during the exercise.
“In a deft move, the Mining Marshals have successfully shut down an illegal mining site in Damau, Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State, using a blend of community engagement and diplomacy,” the statement said.
Community members had earlier raised alarm that the illegal mining was causing serious damage to the environment, increased insecurity, and economic losses for locals.
Instead of using force, the Marshals met with local leaders and worked with residents to get the illegal miners to leave peacefully under official watch.
Dr Alake praised the team for the peaceful resolution, noting that it was a better outcome compared to past efforts in other parts of the country where such operations turned violent.
He said, “The Kaduna operation could serve as a model for future interventions if we get the buy-in of locals and community leaders. Illegal mining and insecurity remain major obstacles to the development of the mining sector. However, the outcome in Damau offers a glimpse of how a mix of enforcement and dialogue can turn the tide.”
The minister also encouraged communities across Nigeria to support the work of the Mining Marshals, adding that the Federal Government will provide more resources and tools to help the operatives do their job better.
“The reward for hard work is more work,” he said while celebrating the anniversary of the Mining Marshals.
A local resident described the move as a big relief, saying the activities of the illegal miners had put lives, farmlands, and legal investments in danger.
The minister urged more cooperation from the public to help clean up the mining sector and attract genuine investors.
