The Nigerian government has successfully dismantled an illegal mining operation in Damau, located in the Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The operation, executed by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, was carried out without any conflict, relying on intelligence gathering and effective community engagement to address the ongoing issue.

The mining site, rich in tin deposits, was legally owned by Trobell Minerals Limited. However, it had been taken over by illegal miners for several months. These illegal activities, according to locals, caused environmental harm, economic losses, and an increase in insecurity in the region.

In a well-planned operation, the Mining Marshals managed to close down the illegal mining site. They used a combination of strategic community engagement and diplomatic approaches rather than force, which resulted in a peaceful resolution. The miners were removed with the help of local community leaders, and the operation concluded without any confrontation.

During a ceremony marking the first anniversary of the creation of the Mining Marshals, Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, praised the operatives for their work. He emphasized the government’s commitment to equipping the Marshals with better resources and logistics for future operations.

The minister also encouraged communities to support such efforts, highlighting the success of the Damau operation as a potential model for addressing illegal mining across the country.

Dr. Alake also highlighted the importance of community cooperation in curbing illegal mining. He urged local residents to join forces with the government to combat this problem and restore investor confidence in the mining sector.

He commended the peaceful handling of the operation, noting that it had brought relief to the area and was crucial for safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and investments.