By Kunle Fayemi, Lagos

Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Onoja Attah has been honoured with the prestigious Man of the Year and Exemplary Super Cop Awards at the 2026 edition of the Rainbow Hall of Fame Awards (RAHFA).
The award ceremony, held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Alausa-Ikeja, Lagos State, recognised outstanding individuals who have demonstrated excellence, leadership, and commitment to national service.
ACC Attah, who serves as the Commander of the Mining Marshal of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), was celebrated for his decisive role in tackling illegal mining activities and safeguarding Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
In his acceptance speech, he attributed the successes recorded by the Mining Marshal to the visionary leadership of the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, PhD, mni, OFR. He noted that the CG’s strategic direction has been instrumental in efforts to restore order in the mining sector, curb illegal operations, and address environmental degradation.
He further emphasised that the ongoing operations of the Mining Marshal have significantly contributed to reducing pollution, protecting human dignity, and minimising economic losses associated with illegal mining across the country.
The award organisers commended ACC Attah for his professionalism, courage, and commitment to duty, describing him as a shining example of effective law enforcement and public service in Nigeria’s security architecture.

Speaking on the significance of the recognition, ACC Attah reaffirmed his commitment to intensifying the fight against illegal mining and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice. He stressed that the Mining Marshal will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to promote lawful mining practices and protect national resources.
He also called on Nigerians, particularly those in mining communities, to support government efforts by providing credible information that would aid security agencies in curbing illegal activities. According to him, collective responsibility remains key to achieving sustainable development and securing the nation’s economic future.