Mining Marshals, on Monday, shut down an illegal mining site in Damau, Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

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 said the activities had caused significant economic losses, environmental degradation, and heightened insecurity in the area.

Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, said the Marshals deviated from conventional, confrontational enforcement methods. Instead, they adopted a consultative approach, engaging traditional rulers and mobilising local support to ensure a peaceful resolution.

A community leader said, “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.”

Meanwhile, during the recent first anniversary celebration of the Mining Marshals, Alake reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to empowering the squad for greater effectiveness.

“The reward for hard work is more work,” he told the operatives, pledging additional resources and operational support. The peaceful resolution in Damau contrasts with previous clashes at illegal sites in other parts of the country, where enforcement operations have often turned confrontational.”

The minister urged communities across the country to support efforts of the federal government to stamp out illegal mining, calling for cooperation with the mining marshals to fish out culprits.

Alake added, “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. I urge communities to cooperate with us to deal with this menace and restore investor confidence in the sector.”