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

Speaking after receiving the Security Heroism Award at the ceremony held in Abuja on Saturday, June 14, Attah said the honour was symbolic of ongoing reforms in the Corps.

Commander John Onoja Attah receives the 2025 Silent Heroes Award for his leadership in tackling illegal mining across Nigeria. Photo credit: John Onoja Attah Source: UGC

“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,” he said.

Attah dedicated the award to Audi, commending him for implementing a security architecture that has yielded visible results, particularly in curbing illegal mining across Nigeria’s mineral belts.

The mining marshal urged enhanced collaboration across the nation’s security architecture, warning that isolated efforts would not defeat illegal mining and related economic crimes.

“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 also advocated for broader inclusion of local communities and development institutions in Nigeria’s security strategy, stating that grassroots involvement is essential to lasting progress.