By Bahir Bakura, Gusau, Zamfara State

Pix: ACC John Attah Onoja

The establishment of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Special Mining Marshals represents one of the most significant shifts in the history of Nigerias solid minerals sector. For too long the nation watched as its vast underground wealth was plundered by unlicensed actors while the state stood by without a dedicated enforcement arm to stop the bleeding. The birth of this specialized unit has changed that narrative by providing a robust shield against economic saboteurs who had previously operated with impunity across the federation.

​At the center of this transformation is Assistant Commandant of Corps John Onoja Attah whose leadership since the inception of the marshals has been nothing short of exemplary. His tenure has been defined by a rare combination of tactical brilliance and an unshakeable moral compass that has set a high standard for all officers under his command. Attah has demonstrated that with the right person at the helm a government initiative can move from a mere policy paper to a functional force for national development.

​One cannot discuss the success of the unit without highlighting the integrity that John Onoja Attah brings to the table daily. Reports of his refusal to accept substantial bribes from powerful illegal mining syndicates have become a source of inspiration within the security community and the nation at large. This commitment to transparency and national interest has ensured that the marshals remain focused on their primary mission rather than being compromised by the very elements they were sent to dismantle.

​The achievements recorded under his watch are visible in the hundreds of arrests and the reclaiming of numerous mining sites that were once lost to criminal elements. Through strategic intelligence gathering and swift field operations the unit has successfully disrupted the logistics of illegal miners and returned significant revenue potential back to the federal government. It is this level of sterling leadership that must be encouraged and sustained as we look toward the future of the sector in 2026.

​However despite these impressive strides the Special Mining Marshals are now at a crossroads where further evolution is necessary to meet the growing sophistication of global mineral crimes. The year 2026 presents a unique opportunity for the government to move beyond local enforcement and embrace a more globalized approach to mineral security. The criminals operating in our hinterlands are often part of wider international networks and our response must be equally expansive.

​There is a pressing need to step up cooperative bilateral relationships with counterpart agencies across the globe to share intelligence and best practices. Many nations have faced similar challenges with illicit mineral flows and have developed advanced methodologies for tracking and stopping these activities at the source. By fostering stronger ties with international security partners the NSCDC can gain access to global databases that track the movement of illicitly mined materials.

​A robust bilateral engagement strategy would also facilitate exchange programmes where our officers can train with the best mineral security experts in the world. Such cross border cooperation will ensure that the Nigerian Special Mining Marshals are not working in isolation but are part of a global movement to sanitize the extractive industries. This international synergy is essential for tackling the high level financiers who often reside outside our borders while profiting from local illegality.

​Funding remains the lifeblood of any successful security operation and the current allocation for the mining marshals must be significantly increased. The cost of maintaining a presence in the remote and often hostile terrains where mining occurs is immense and cannot be covered by a modest budget. To truly dominate the landscape the government must ensure that the unit has the financial muscle to sustain long term deployments without logistical hiccups.

​Improved funding will allow for better welfare for the officers who risk their lives in the bushes to protect our commonwealth. When men and women on the front lines feel well supported and adequately compensated their morale remains high and their resistance to temptation is strengthened. Investing in the human capital of the Special Mining Marshals is just as important as investing in the physical tools they use for their daily duties.

​Modern equipment is another critical area where the unit requires urgent intervention to maintain its edge over well funded criminal syndicates. In 2026 we should no longer expect our marshals to rely solely on traditional methods when technology can provide a significant tactical advantage. The deployment of advanced surveillance drones and satellite monitoring systems would allow for real time oversight of mining sites across the country.

​Furthermore the use of specialized geofencing technology could help the marshals detect unauthorized movement in protected areas before any damage is done. High tech communication gadgets that work in areas without cellular coverage are also vital for the safety and coordination of teams operating in deep forests. Equipping the marshals with state of the art gear is not a luxury but a necessity for modern day resource protection.

​The need for specialized vehicles that can navigate the rugged and often inaccessible mining terrains cannot be overstated. Standard patrol vehicles often break down under the harsh conditions of the Nigerian backcountry leading to gaps in enforcement that illegal miners quickly exploit. Investing in a fleet of rugged all terrain vehicles specifically designed for mining security would ensure that no location is too remote for the marshals to reach.

​As we advocate for these improvements we must also look at the legislative framework that supports the operations of the Special Mining Marshals. There is a need for clearer laws that empower the unit to not only arrest but to work seamlessly with the judiciary for the swift prosecution of offenders. Strengthening the legal backbone of their operations will ensure that every arrest leads to a meaningful deterrent through the court system.

​Public support and community engagement are also vital components of the marshals future success in 2026 and beyond. By building trust with the host communities the unit can gain invaluable local intelligence that no technology can replicate. A marshal who is seen as a protector of the community is far more effective than one who is viewed as an outsider and this requires a soft power approach to security.

​The leadership of John Onoja Attah provides the perfect platform upon which these future improvements can be built and institutionalized. His vision for a professional and technologically driven force is already evident in the way the unit has conducted its operations thus far. It is only logical that the government provides him with the necessary tools and international partnerships to take this vision to its logical conclusion.

​The task of securing Nigerias mineral wealth is a marathon and not a sprint and it requires constant adaptation to new threats. The gains made so far are significant but they must be viewed as a foundation for a more comprehensive and globally connected security architecture. With the right mix of funding equipment and international cooperation the Special Mining Marshals can become a gold standard for resource security in Africa.

​In conclusion the nation owes a debt of gratitude to the NSCDC and particularly to Assistant Commandant John Onoja Attah for their tireless efforts. As we move further into 2026 let the focus remain on empowering this unit to do even more through strategic upgrades and global alliances. The protection of our solid minerals is the protection of our future and there is no better time than now to invest in that certainty.

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