Commander John Onoja Attah of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshal has described his recent recognition at the 2025 Silent Heroes Awards as a testament to the renewed drive and visionary leadership of Commandant General Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi at the NSCDC.

His words:

“This recognition is not just personal; it is symbolic of the renewed energy within the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps under the visionary leadership of our Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni.
I dedicate this honour to him for designing a security architecture that is yielding practical results, especially in the mining sector.”

Commander Attah called for enhanced collaboration, intelligence sharing, and mutual respect among all security agencies, stressing that economic sabotage cannot be defeated in silos.

“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.

He 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. The event focused on honouring the sacrifices of frontline officers and professionals whose work often goes unnoticed.

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.

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