FG hails Marshals for shutdown of illegal mining site in Kaduna
The Federal Government has commended the Mining Marshals for peacefully shutting down an illegal mining site in Damau, Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State, through strategic community engagement and diplomacy.
Speaking during the first anniversary of the Mining Marshals, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering the squad with more resources and operational support. “The reward for hard work is more work,” he told the operatives.
The targeted site, rich in tin and legally owned by Trobell Minerals Limited, had been occupied by illegal miners for several months, causing economic losses, environmental degradation, and heightened insecurity.
Unlike previous confrontational enforcement operations seen in other regions, the Marshals prioritized diplomacy—consulting traditional leaders and mobilizing local support. This led to the peaceful exit of the illegal miners without incident.
A respected community leader praised the non-violent approach, saying, “The activities of the dislodged illegal miners posed a serious threat to lives, livelihoods, and investment. This intervention brings long-awaited relief.”
Dr. Alake urged communities nationwide to support government efforts to combat illegal mining by cooperating with the Mining Marshals and helping identify violators.
“The Kaduna operation could serve as a model for future interventions if we get the buy-in of locals and community leaders,” the minister said. “Illegal mining and insecurity remain major obstacles to sector development, but this outcome offers a way forward.”
The Damau success contrasts sharply with similar operations elsewhere that ended in conflict, offering a new blueprint for securing mining communities while restoring investor confidence.
