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

In Nigeria’s vast and mineral-rich landscapes, danger lies deep beneath the ground; not just in the unstable pits of illegal mining sites, but in the armed syndicates that control them. For the men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), especially those in the Special Mining Marshals, every mission is a journey between courage and mortality. “Every operation looks like the last one, because we are not too sure we’ll come back,” says Assistant Commander of Corps, Onoja John Attah, the Commander of the elite Special Mining Marshals, in an Interview culled from the official Facebook handle of the NSCDC Special Mining Marshals.

Attah paints a picture of quiet fear and unspoken sacrifice that defines the life of his officers. “Before we go out on any mission, many of us call our wives to say something nice, as if we are writing our will, though they never know why,” he revealed. “That’s how dangerous it has become. You may not return. The enemy is often invisible, and every assignment feels like walking into an ambush.” His words reveal not just the emotional toll of the fight against illegal mining, but also the profound bravery of men who step into danger with no certainty of coming back alive.

Speaking from the command’s field office, Attah confessed that every operation feels like it could be the last. “Before every mission, we talk to our wives as if we are writing our will,” he said softly. “We never tell them that, of course. But the truth is that we face situations where the chances of coming back are never guaranteed.”

He described the struggle against illegal mining as one of Nigeria’s toughest internal security battles. “The danger and risks involved are monumental, in fact, they are mega,” he stressed. “Illegal miners are not just poor villagers; many are backed by powerful cartels with deep financial interests. These people can be ruthless, heavily armed, and well connected.”

Despite the constant threat, the Commander said the Special Mining Marshals have recorded remarkable successes. “Our efforts are paying off,” he noted with pride. “The revenue base in the solid minerals sector has increased astronomically, and this has contributed greatly to Nigeria’s growing economic stability.”

According to him, the corps’ strategic operations across different states have disrupted illegal mining networks that previously drained the country’s wealth. “What we are doing is saving billions of naira that used to disappear into the hands of criminals. The solid minerals sector is now beginning to breathe again,” he added.

Attah explained that one of the corps’ strongest weapons is public awareness. “We have raised the level of awareness nationwide. Through our campaigns, the communities hosting mining activities are now more conscious of the consequences of illegal mining. They see it as an environmental and health threat, not just a security issue.”

He said the corps has invested heavily in community engagement, organizing town hall meetings, workshops, and school outreach programmes to sensitize the public. “The level of cooperation we receive now is far better than when we started,” he said. “Many host communities call us whenever they notice suspicious activities in their areas.”

The commander credited this success to the corps’ consistent message that illegal mining destroys the ecosystem and threatens the lives of future generations. “We have drastically reduced environmental and health dangers through awareness campaigns. People now understand that a destroyed land means a destroyed livelihood.”

He explained that even those who once participated in illegal mining are gradually turning to legitimate means of livelihood. “Some of them are now cooperating with us because they fear prosecution. But beyond that, they now see the bigger picture that protecting our mineral wealth is a collective duty that benefits everyone.”

In terms of enforcement, Attah revealed that the corps has made impressive progress. “We have arrested hundreds of suspects involved in illegal mining across different states,” he said. “We have charged viable cases to court and ensured that due process is followed from investigation to prosecution.”

He emphasized that the NSCDC Special Mining Marshals operate strictly within the law. “We don’t just arrest people for the sake of it,” he said. “We ensure that every case is properly investigated before prosecution. We detest trampling on citizens’ rights and always act in accordance with the constitution.”

According to Attah, the corps maintains an uncompromising standard of professionalism. “We place high premium on citizens’ fundamental human rights and the rule of law,” he declared. “Every exhibit we seize is preserved and documented carefully for tendering in court. Transparency is key in all we do.”

The commander also spoke about the psychological and emotional burden of their mission. “Sometimes, we go for days in hostile terrain with limited food and water,” he said. “Yet, we keep moving because we believe in what we are doing. Our families worry, but they also understand that this is service to the nation.”

He commended his officers for their resilience and bravery. “These men and women are heroes,” he said. “They stand in the face of danger every day, often without adequate recognition. But they remain focused because they love their country.”

Reflecting on the progress so far, Attah said the corps remains motivated by the tangible results seen in the sector. “Our operations have restored investor confidence, improved government revenue, and brought a sense of order to the mining environment. These are milestones we are proud of.”

He, however, called for more public support and collaboration. “We are happy to be serving Nigerians,” he said. “But this is not a battle we can fight alone. We still need more support from state governments, community leaders, and traditional institutions to sustain our success.”

Attah also took time to commend the visionary leadership guiding the corps. “Luckily for us, we are serving under leaders of integrity, honour, and transparency,” he remarked. “Both the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, and our Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, are sterling examples of patriotism in public service.”

According to him, their passion for reform and accountability has transformed the nation’s solid minerals sector. “Their leadership inspires us to give our best no matter the risk,” he said. “They are constantly motivating us to see our work as a national duty, not just a job.”

As the interview drew to a close, Attah’s tone became reflective. “For every operation we undertake, there is uncertainty; but also purpose,” he said. “We are determined to save Nigeria from the claws of illegal miners. This fight is about our collective survival and the future of our nation.”

He ended with a message of hope. “Nigeria’s solid minerals are a blessing, not a curse,” he said. “With unity, vigilance, and integrity, we can turn this sector into one of the pillars of national prosperity. The NSCDC Special Mining Marshals will continue to give their all, even when every mission feels like the last.”