By: Muktar Haliru, President, League of Security Writers

Commander John Onoja Attah, who leads the Special Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), embodies more than just authority in uniform; he stands as a paragon of honesty, patriotism, and tactical brilliance in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle against illegal mining. His recognition at the 2025 NUJ FCT Press Week underscores the values he represents and the measurable difference he continues to make on both operational and national fronts.

In a time when many within the security apparatus are routinely accused of compromise, Commander Onoja has distinguished himself through unwavering ethical conduct. Even when faced with tempting bribes from influential cartels that run illegal mining operations, he has consistently refused to waver in his convictions. Several well-documented attempts to entice him with illicit rewards were flatly rejected. For Onoja, personal integrity and a meaningful legacy far outweigh the fleeting allure of corrupt wealth; an extraordinary stance in a sector where resource-linked crimes often thrive on complicity.

Commander Onoja doesn’t see his position as just a career; it is, to him, a national calling. He remains committed to preserving Nigeria’s mineral resources for future generations, often emphasizing that genuine patriotism and personal sacrifice are the foundation stones of national development. His stewardship of the Special Mining Marshals has been marked by bold interventions and strategic enforcement actions. Across states such as Kogi, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Abia, and the FCT, his unit has dismantled numerous illegal mining sites and driven out thousands of unlawful operators. These feats reflect not only his operational competence but also his firm resolve to uphold the law and protect national interests.

His disciplined approach to duty has earned him admiration from fellow officers, high-ranking officials, and civil society actors alike. Dr. Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, has publicly commended his leadership, noting that the effectiveness of the Mining Marshals is closely tied to Commander Onoja’s integrity, foresight, and tactical leadership. Such commendations go beyond government circles—his efforts have been recognized in broader society as well. In 2024, he was named “Most Resourceful Operational Officer” by National Crimewatch Magazine, and in 2025, he received a Security Heroism Award at the Silent Heroes Awards, further cementing his status as a figure of national importance.

Understanding that brute force alone cannot resolve the crisis in Nigeria’s mining sector, Commander Onoja has advocated for a collaborative approach. He consistently calls for greater synergy between security agencies, community stakeholders, regulators, and the media. By promoting intelligence sharing and mutual respect, he has shown an uncommon strategic clarity. He considers the media not as outsiders, but as partners critical to public sensitization, uncovering illicit networks, and encouraging legal mining practices making him a fitting honouree for the NUJ FCT Press Week Media Award.

He has also been at the forefront of leveraging technology in mining surveillance. Through the adoption of drones and satellite systems, his team has gained unprecedented access to remote and previously inaccessible illegal mining hubs. These tools have significantly improved operational accuracy and elevated the NSCDC’s enforcement capabilities. Commander Onoja’s readiness to innovate, coupled with his transparent leadership style, has strengthened public confidence in the Corps’ mission.

At a moment when Nigeria grapples with the urgent need for ethical and visionary leadership, especially in resource protection and law enforcement, Commander Onoja stands out as a shining example. His career is a narrative of quiet heroism of doing what is right regardless of recognition, of prioritizing the nation above self, and of building a legacy rooted in service and sacrifice.

The NUJ’s decision to celebrate him goes beyond merely presenting an award. It sends a strong message about the values Nigeria must elevate: truth, justice, patriotism, and accountability. In Commander Onoja, the media has found not just a subject worth profiling, but a partner in national transformation—an exemplar whose journey deserves recognition and emulation.