Pix: ACC Onoja John Attah

Chief Abutu Achema, writes in from Lokoja, Kogi State

Since his appointment as Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Special Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of the Corps, (ACC), Onoja John Attah has proven to be one of the finest assets in Nigeria’s contemporary security landscape. His leadership has brought new energy, professionalism, and effectiveness to a critical national assignment of protecting Nigeria’s mineral wealth and restoring integrity to the mining sector.

Onoja John Attah’s dedication to service and his results-oriented approach have earned him the deep confidence of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, and the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi. Both leaders have continued to express satisfaction with the remarkable transformation that has taken place under his watch. Through his diligence, intelligence, and commitment, Attah has also gained the respect of Nigeria’s wider security community and the admiration of ordinary citizens who see in him a model of patriotism and competence.

His work has gone beyond routine enforcement. He has successfully turned the NSCDC Special Mining Marshals into a disciplined, efficient, and coordinated force capable of confronting the once-rampant menace of illegal mining. In states such as Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, and Zamfara, the Marshals have disrupted illegal operations that had deprived the nation of significant revenue. Attah’s leadership has ensured that the country now earns millions of dollars that would previously have been lost to smuggling, sabotage, and criminal exploitation of natural resources.

What makes Onoja John Attah stand out is his understanding that security and economic progress are inseparable. By stabilizing and regulating the mining sector, he has contributed immensely to the growth of Nigeria’s economy. Investors now have more confidence in the sector, thanks to his tireless efforts to enforce laws, promote transparency, and build trust between government institutions, local communities, and legitimate mining operators.

It is also clear that Attah’s success stems from his disciplined character and genuine patriotism. He is not motivated by personal interest but by a sincere desire to serve the nation. His calm but firm leadership style has fostered teamwork, accountability, and mutual respect within the NSCDC and among other security agencies. His collaboration with the military, police, and intelligence units has helped strengthen Nigeria’s fight against illegal economic activities.

The trust reposed in him by Dr. Dele Alake and Professor Ahmed Audi is well-earned. Both the Minister and the NSCDC Commandant General have found in Attah a dependable officer whose integrity and results speak for themselves. His contributions have enhanced the reputation of the NSCDC as a disciplined and mission-driven paramilitary, capable of protecting Nigeria’s critical assets with professionalism and courage.

In the course of his work, Onoja John Attah has faced enormous challenges, many of which could have cost him his life. The illegal mining network is vast, powerful, and often backed by heavily armed groups that see law enforcement officers as enemies. On several occasions, his team has come under direct attack from these criminal elements while conducting raids or enforcing government directives. Yet, Attah has never been deterred. His courage in the face of danger has inspired his men to remain steadfast in the mission to reclaim Nigeria’s mineral wealth from criminal exploitation.

There have been incidents where his convoy was ambushed in remote forest areas, with bullets flying from unknown directions. On one such occasion in Niger State, his team narrowly escaped a deadly confrontation with armed miners who had fortified their camp deep inside the forest. Attah personally led the retreat and later coordinated a tactical counter-operation that resulted in the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of weapons and stolen minerals. His ability to remain calm and strategic under extreme pressure has earned him deep respect within the Corps and among other security formations.

Beyond physical threats, Attah has also faced resistance from vested interests and powerful individuals benefiting from illegal mining activities. These elements have used threats, blackmail, and misinformation to discredit his work and weaken public confidence in the Mining Marshals. Despite these attempts, he has maintained his focus on professionalism, ensuring that his operations remain transparent, accountable, and aligned with national interests.

The harsh terrains where he operates also pose serious risks. Many mining sites are located in deep forests, mountainous regions, and volatile communities with limited access to security backup or communication networks. His team often spends long days in these dangerous environments, exposed to unpredictable weather, ambushes, and traps laid by criminal miners. Yet, their determination to enforce the law and protect Nigeria’s resources remains unshaken.

On another occasion in Zamfara State, intelligence reports revealed that bandits had planned to attack a team of Mining Marshals during a late-night operation. Thanks to Attah’s foresight and timely coordination with the Nigerian Army, the attack was foiled, and several assailants were apprehended. His leadership in such tense moments continues to underscore his courage, tactical intelligence, and deep commitment to safeguarding national interests at all costs.

In every sense, Onoja John Attah represents the type of leadership Nigeria needs at a time when integrity and effectiveness are in high demand. He has turned his office into a platform for national service and economic protection. His achievements have proven that with the right vision, discipline, and patriotic zeal, public service can truly transform national institutions and make them deliver on their mandate.

Onoja John Attah is not just a security officer; he is a national asset whose impact continues to shape the future of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector and strengthen the nation’s overall security framework. His performance has set a benchmark of excellence and reaffirmed faith in the NSCDC as a vital pillar in Nigeria’s economic and security architecture.