The Federal Government has dislodged illegal miners from a site they had occupied for months in Kaduna State.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, announced the development, stating that the Mining Marshals carried out the enforcement in Damau, Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
In a statement issued by Alake’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, the operation targeted a tin-rich site legally owned by Trobell Minerals Limited.
He said the site had been unlawfully taken over by illegal miners for an extended period.
He said, “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 operation focused on a tin-rich site legally owned by Trobell Minerals Limited, which had been occupied by illegal miners for several months. Community members reported that the activities had caused significant economic losses, environmental degradation, and heightened insecurity in the area.”
Alake noted that the Kaduna intervention could serve as a model for future operations, especially with strong local support.
He added, “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. I urge communities to cooperate with us to deal with this menace and restore investor confidence in the sector.
“The diplomatic approach is commendable. The activities of the dislodged illegal miners posed a serious threat to lives, livelihoods, and investment. This intervention brings long-awaited relief.”