An illegal mining site in Damau community at Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State has been shut down by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), a Mining Marshal.
A statement on Monday by the NSCDC spokesman, Afolabi Babafemi, noted that the clampdown came after the Commandant General (CG), Audi, gave a marching order on mapping out an effective and strategic approach to tackling insecurity, Vandalism of public utilities, and all acts of economic sabotage across the federation.
He said the move aimed at restoring order and investor confidence in the country’s troubled solid minerals sector.
He added that the operation targeted a tin-rich site belonging to Trobell Minerals Limited that had been overrun by unauthorised miners for several months. Officials said the illegal activities had led to significant economic losses, environmental degradation, and growing insecurity in the area.
Babawale said: “In a strategic approach the NSCDC Mining Marshals adopted a non-kinetic means through community engagement strategy.
“The Traditional leaders and community youths were brought into deliberation and the miners began vacating the site under official supervision without resistance.
“Notably, this diplomatic approach was however lauded by local stakeholders who now pledged continued support to sustain the gains.”
He noted that earlier the activities of illegal miners have posed serious threats to human lives, livelihoods, and investment,” one local official affirmed, saying, “This intervention has brought a long-awaited relief.”
Speaking at the one-year anniversary of the establishment and commissioning of the NSCDC Mining Marshal, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to empowering the Special Unit for greater impacts and results.
Babawale said: “The Minister lauded the officers and charged them to keep up the good work as the reward for hard work is more work, promising to ensure the provision of necessary logistic resources and operational support.
The Gallant Mining Marshal Commander, AC Attah John Onoja, in his response reaffirmed that the fight against illegal mining across the federation remains a top priority and non-negotiable.
