Mining Marshals Commander Pledges Stronger Fight Against Illegal Mining

Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Attah John Onoja, has reaffirmed his commitment to intensifying the fight against illegal mining following his investiture as Grand Patron of the Silent Heroes Awards Initiative (SHA) 2026.

Onoja made the pledge after receiving the honour at the 2026 Silent Heroes Awards held in Abuja, where he was recognised for his unwavering commitment to combating illegal mining and his outstanding contributions to national service.

The ceremony, themed “Invisible Light, Illuminating Lives,” celebrated distinguished Nigerians from the security, governance, public and private sectors whose quiet but impactful service has contributed to national development.

Speaking shortly after receiving the award, Onoja described the recognition as both a privilege and a renewed call to greater service, pledging to strengthen the operational mandate of the NSCDC Mining Marshals in safeguarding Nigeria’s solid mineral resources.

He dedicated the honour to the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, attributing the successes recorded by the Mining Marshals to the visionary leadership and institutional support provided by the corps leadership.

Onoja also dedicated the recognition to officers and men of the Mining Marshals, commending their courage, professionalism and resilience in confronting illegal mining activities across the country despite the risks associated with the assignment.

According to him, the award belongs to every member of the unit whose daily sacrifices have contributed to protecting Nigeria’s critical mineral assets and supporting the Federal Government’s drive to sanitise the solid minerals sector.

He reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining collaboration with relevant stakeholders, strengthening enforcement operations and promoting lawful mining activities to enhance national development.

Earlier, Convener of the Silent Heroes Awards Initiative, Mr. Odita Sunday, said Onoja was selected for the honour in recognition of his exemplary leadership and relentless campaign against illegal mining.

Sunday noted that the awards, established in 2018, were created to celebrate Nigerians whose dedication to national service often goes unnoticed despite their significant contributions to society.

He described Onoja as an outstanding public servant whose leadership has inspired confidence within the country’s security architecture and whose efforts have contributed significantly to the protection of Nigeria’s solid mineral resources.

According to him, the Mining Marshals Commander also distinguished himself through his consistent support for the ideals of the Silent Heroes Awards Initiative and his commitment to excellence in public service.

The event also recognised other eminent Nigerians for their contributions to national development, including Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who received the Silent Hero Award for Education and Infrastructure Development; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, honoured for his contributions to defence media operations; Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, recognised as the Silent Hero of Food Security; and Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, who received the Silent Hero in Governance Award.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the book, Nigeria’s Silent Heroes, which documents the stories of remarkable Nigerians whose selfless service and enduring commitment continue to shape the nation’s progress.

The latest honour adds to a growing list of recognitions earned by Onoja for his leadership of the NSCDC Mining Marshals and his sustained campaign against illegal mining, which has become a key priority of the Federal Government due to its implications for national security, environmental protection and economic development.