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Tag: John Onoja Attah

  • Synergy is our strength, says NSCDC mining commander after silent heroes award recognition

    Synergy is our strength, says NSCDC mining commander after silent heroes award recognition

    Commander John Onoja Attah of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals has described his recognition at the 2025 Silent Heroes Awards as a reflection of the Corps’ revitalized commitment under the leadership of Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi.

    “This recognition is not just personal; it is symbolic of the renewed energy within the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps under the visionary leadership of our Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni,” Attah said.

    He dedicated the award to the Commandant General, praising him for designing a security framework that has delivered tangible results, particularly in the mining sector.

    Attah also emphasized the need for deeper collaboration, intelligence sharing, and mutual respect among all security agencies, noting that economic sabotage cannot be tackled in isolation.

    “The fight against illegal mining and other forms of economic sabotage requires a united front — one driven by trust, intelligence sharing, and mutual respect among all arms of our national security apparatus,” he said.

    Attah added that Nigeria’s security architecture must expand to include local communities and development institutions.

    “Let this moment serve as a clarion call to all stakeholders: the time has come to deepen synergy across sectors of national development, especially between security agencies, ministries, and local communities,” he said.

    Commander Attah received the Security Heroism Award at the 2025 edition of the Silent Heroes Awards, held in Abuja on Saturday.

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    The event focused on the sacrifices of frontline officers and professionals whose work rarely makes headlines.

    Attah’s recognition comes amid increased scrutiny of illegal mining activities across mineral-rich corridors in Nigeria, where he has led a sustained clampdown — earning both resistance and commendation.

    The ceremony attracted top dignitaries from the security, political, and development sectors.

    Among those in attendance were: Usman Ahmed Ododo; governor of Kogi (represented by retired commander Jerry Omodara), General Christopher Musa; chief of defence staff (represented by Rear Admiral E.O. Bankole) and Dr Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police (represented by Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi).

    Others are Chief Uche Nnaji, minister of innovation, science and technology (represented by Dr Matthew Adepoju, DG of NASRDA); Mr Tony Elumelu, banker and philanthropist and HRH Sir Simeon Ujah, Ejeh of Olamaboro.

    Sonia Sunday Odita, project coordinator of the Silent Heroes Awards, said the initiative seeks to honour Nigerians who quietly drive progress in public service, governance, and humanitarian sectors.

    She said: “These are Nigerians who, in their corners, defy danger, pressure, and anonymity to keep the wheels of our country turning — especially in security.

    “The awards remind us that patriotism isn’t always loud; sometimes it is found in the daily consistency of those who choose integrity.”

    Commander Attah was one of 40 honourees across sectors including governance, business, health, civil service, and national security.

    Notable recipients included Muhammadu Sanusi II; Emir of Kano, Dr Daniel Olukoya; general overseer MFM, Senator Bala Mohammed; governor of Bauchi; Hon Benjamin Kalu; deputy speaker, House of Representatives, Dr Bello Matawalle; minister of defence and Prince Arthur Eze, businessman.

    Also awarded were Engr Abubakar Momoh; minister of Niger Delta affairs, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe; FCT mandate secretary for health, Engr Abisoye Coker-Odusote; DG, National Identity Management Commission and Hajiya Zubaida Umar, DG, NEMA, among others. 

     Speaking on behalf of the honourees, Attah praised the organisers for a transparent selection process.

    “This recognition speaks not just to my efforts but to the tireless dedication of countless officers in the line of duty,” he said.

    He expressed gratitude to Commandant General Audi for repositioning the NSCDC, and to the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake, for their policy and political support.

     Established in 2018, the Silent Heroes Awards celebrate Nigerians whose contributions often go unnoticed but are crucial to the country’s development.

  • One year after Attah’s mining Marshals, by Alake, others

    One year after Attah’s mining Marshals, by Alake, others

    By Abdul Ben 

    John Onoja Attah, commander of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Special Mining Marshals, has turned down multiple bribes from illegal miners attempting to evade justice.

    The bribes, often substantial enough to make him wealthy, were aimed at securing his silence and allowing the miners to continue their illicit operations. 

    However, Onoja, known for his integrity and patriotism, has consistently refused to compromise, choosing instead to protect Nigeria’s mining resources.

    His unwavering stance has played a key role in curbing illegal mining activities and preventing significant revenue losses in the sector. 

    Onoja’s leadership has been lauded as a model of discipline and professionalism in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against illegal mining.

    Marking one year since the Special Mining Marshals were inaugurated by NSCDC Commandant-General Dr. Abubakar Ahmed Audi, Interior Minister Mr. Tunji Ojo, and Solid Minerals Minister Mr. Dele Alake, a news conference was held to present the unit’s achievements. Onoja Attah’s name took center stage, with speakers praising his patriotism, discipline, and unwavering commitment to duty.

    Minister Dele Alake credited much of the Marshals’ success to Onoja’s leadership, describing him as a professional whose dedication has transformed the unit. “His appointment by Commandant-General Dr. Audi was spot on,” Alake remarked.

    According to Alake, Onoja has exceeded expectations by breathing life into the unit’s vision and driving tactical operations with precision. 

    The Marshals’ campaigns, he said, reflect careful planning, strategic execution, and relentless determination—all hallmarks of Onoja’s leadership style.

    Still, success comes with greater responsibility. Alake urged Onoja and his team to prepare for tougher missions ahead as they intensify efforts to flush out illegal miners and bring them to justice.

    When asked what fueled his patriotic zeal despite the enticing offers from illegal miners, ACC John Onoja Attah responded:

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    “In life, your values and social philosophy shape your disposition. We are driven by the impact we can create through sacrifice and patriotism when given the opportunity. To us, character holds greater significance than illicit wealth in leaving lasting footprints on the sands of history.”

    It is this mindset that has helped to reveve up Nigeria ‘s revenue fortune in the mining sector .

    Over the past year, the Mining Marshals (MM) have made significant strides in combating illegal mining, demonstrating a clear shift in strategy. Their efforts have led to the arrest of 327 illegal miners, with prosecutions currently underway across various courts. Beyond arrests, the MM has played a crucial role in restoring mining sites to their rightful owners, many of whom had been displaced for over a decade by illegal operators.

    One of the most notable interventions was the clearance operation at Mining Lease 19325 in Jagula, Kogi State, where over 3,000 illegal miners were forcefully evicted. 

    The site, legally owned by North South Extractive Industries Limited since 2016, had been inaccessible to its rightful owners due to threats from illegal operators. 

    Since then, the MM has replicated this success at several other sites, including Ganan Mining Limited (ML 56757) in Kuje, FCT; Jinloys Nigeria Limited (QL 22284) in Umunneochi, Abia State; and Orbit Exploration & Natural Products Limited (ML 772) in Ankpa, Kogi State. In total, the MM has recovered over 98 sites within the past year, enabling many legitimate license holders to return to operations. 

    This resurgence in lawful mining activities is expected to boost government revenue through increased royalties and contributions from the solid minerals sector.

    To  consolidate these gains, the MM has identified 457 suspected illegal mining sites across the country, significantly improving intelligence gathering and monitoring of illegal activities. Recognizing the importance of sustained enforcement, the MM continues to train new recruits and officers, enhancing their combat readiness, field awareness, and operational capacity, even in the most challenging terrains.

    Beyond manpower, technology has become a key component of MM’s strategy. 

    The agency now deploys miniature robots and drones for real-time surveillance, allowing for better intelligence gathering and precision targeting. 

    Additionally, advanced communication tools have been introduced to help differentiate unarmed civilians from armed bandits, ensuring that operations remain focused on the true perpetrators of illegal mining.

    With these measures in place, the MM has not only strengthened enforcement but also restored confidence among legitimate miners, paving the way for a more secure and productive mining sector in Nigeria.

    The remarkable achievements of the Mining Marshals (MM) must be viewed against the backdrop of significant logistical challenges. Operating under severe constraints, the MM has nonetheless demonstrated patriotic zeal and professional dexterity, proving its resilience in securing Nigeria’s solid mineral resources.

    However, with the 2025 Appropriation Act, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly have allocated a budget that aligns with the Ministry’s vast responsibilities. 

    This funding will enable the full equipping of the MM and Mines Surveillance teams, ensuring they have the necessary logistics for rapid response, combat readiness, and expanded operational coverage.

    In the past year, the MM conducted direct engagements across 10 states, including Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Kaduna, Enugu, Abia, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory. Moving forward, these operations will be strengthened nationwide to enforce compliance and secure the country’s mineral resources.

    Additionally, with the judiciary demonstrating remarkable efficiency in prosecuting illegal mining cases, the MM will focus on securing convictions for the 327 individuals currently facing trial. 

    This is expected to enhance deterrence and promote legal compliance within the sector.

    To further fortify the security framework, the Federal Executive Council has approved the deployment of satellite technology to enhance surveillance. 

    For the first time, Nigeria will have both air and ground coverage dedicated to securing the solid minerals sector.

    Beyond enforcement, the government is also prioritizing non-kinetic strategies. Initiatives will be launched to strengthen collaboration with artisanal miners, encouraging them to register as cooperatives, thereby fostering a more structured and compliant mining environment.

    With Assistant Corp Commandant John Onoja Attah—Nigeria is set to usher in a new era of security, compliance, and sustainable development in the solid minerals sector.

    -Ben, journalist and analyst writes from Karu Abuja