Pix: John Onoja Attah, Commander, NSCDC Special Mining Marshals

By Isiaka Mustapha, CEO/Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

For years, Nigeria’s solid minerals sector has been under siege. Illegal mining has not only caused severe environmental damage and revenue losses estimated at around $9 billion annually; but has also fueled insecurity, corruption, and local conflicts.

The establishment of the Special Mining Marshals (MM) in 2023 through a collaboration between the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the Ministry of Interior, and the NSCDC was a timely and strategic decision to reverse these trends by securing mining zones, enforcing regulations, and dismantling illegal operations.

At the heart of that mission stands John Onoja Attah, an officer known for his fierce integrity, strategic acumen, and operational command.

More than a year after its formation, the Special Mining Marshals under the leadership of ACC John Onoja Attah have transformed from a newly formed task force into a formidable national security unit. Their key accomplishments include:

• Operations in 10 States: The Mining Marshals have been deployed across key mineral-producing states such as Kogi, Niger, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Ondo, Kwara, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Abia, and the Federal Capital Territory.
• 451 Arrests and Prosecutions: Over 451 individuals involved in illegal mining have been arrested. Many of these cases are currently being prosecuted, with convictions expected to strengthen deterrence across the sector.
• Dismantling of Criminal Networks: Numerous illegal mining sites and operational bases have been shut down. The Marshals have seized valuable equipment and confiscated illegally extracted minerals during enforcement operations.
• Bribery Rejected: On multiple occasions, ACC Attah has turned down substantial bribe offers, reportedly worth tens of millions of naira from illegal operators seeking to evade arrest. His unwavering commitment to integrity has made him a national reference point for ethical public service.

At a recent public event, Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, publicly commended ACC Attah’s incorruptibility and leadership. He singled him out as the anchor of the Mining Marshals’ success and praised his exemplary conduct as a model for others in government service.

“ACC Attah’s leadership, discipline, and patriotism are the foundations of the Mining Marshals’ achievements. His work proves that we can have effective enforcement without compromise,” said Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development.

The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has also consistently praised Attah for translating the Corps’ strategic vision into field-level results.

The early days of the Mining Marshals were marked by severe operational and logistical challenges ranging from poor mobility and inadequate equipment to a lack of surveillance technology. Despite these obstacles, Attah guided the force forward through strategic partnerships, intensive training, and intelligence-led operations, driven by unwavering commitment.

Relief came with the passage of the 2025 Appropriation Act, when the Federal Government allocated a more realistic and supportive budget to equip and expand both the Mining Marshals and the Mines Surveillance Task Force. This funding includes new operational vehicles, surveillance drones, advanced communications systems, and improved welfare provisions for operatives.

Additionally, the recent approval by the Federal Executive Council for satellite-based mineral surveillance marks a historic milestone. For the first time, Nigeria’s mineral-rich regions will benefit from both aerial and ground-level monitoring, significantly enhancing national oversight and accountability in the sector.

Beyond raids and arrests, Attah’s strategy includes non-kinetic interventions. He has consistently advocated for constructive engagement with artisanal miners, encouraging them to form cooperatives and operate within the bounds of the law.

Attah has also developed a strategic framework that prioritizes education, registration, and formalization, with the aim of building a structured and inclusive mining economy. This approach has helped reduce friction, promote compliance, and foster community trust in the enforcement system.

ACC John Onoja Attah is not only a tactical leader but also a moral one. His unwavering refusal to accept bribes even under intense pressure has set a new benchmark for law enforcement officers across Nigeria.

“I wear this uniform to serve Nigeria, not to enrich myself. The country’s natural resources belong to every citizen, and I will protect them with all I have,” he once told reporters after exposing a bribery attempt in Kogi State.

His ethical stance has earned him widespread admiration from civil society groups, public officials, and Nigerians.

Despite early successes, Attah and his team face a long and evolving battle. Illegal mining networks continue to adapt, growing more sophisticated, organized, and well-funded illegal activities. To stay ahead, the Mining Marshals will require stronger inter-agency coordination, real-time intelligence sharing, and expanded regional collaboration.

Still, the foundation is solid. With increased political will, enhanced funding, and trusted leadership, Nigeria’s campaign against illegal mining is now on a renewed and promising trajectory.

In a country where enforcement institutions often make headlines for the wrong reasons, John Onoja Attah’s leadership of the Special Mining Marshals offers a refreshing counter-narrative of resilience, discipline, and moral courage.

His work, and indeed his uncompromising integrity, has gone a long way in restoring public faith in what principled leadership can accomplish in the realm of national security.

If integrity had a face in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, today, that face would be John Onoja Attah.