Pix: Onoja

By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, has applauded the Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Mining Marshals, John Attah Onoja, for his leadership and commitment to combating illegal mining and restoring order to Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

The minister spoke in Abuja on Friday while presenting the Transformational Leadership Award to Onoja on behalf of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists during the maiden edition of the Women in Security Summit and Awards 2026. She described the Mining Marshals commander as a patriotic officer whose efforts have significantly strengthened the protection of the nation’s mineral resources.

Suleiman-Ibrahim noted that under Onoja’s leadership, the specialised NSCDC unit has become a major force in the fight against illegal mining, helping to safeguard critical national assets and enforce compliance within the mining industry. According to her, the unit’s operations have brought renewed attention to the need for effective regulation of the sector and protection of Nigeria’s vast mineral wealth.

“Your patriotism is legendary. Your contributions have been remarkable and have provided a significant boost to Nigeria’s mining sector,” the minister said.

Recalling Onoja’s appointment as the pioneer commander of the Mining Marshals, she said his achievements had justified the confidence reposed in him at the inception of the unit. She commended him for leading a team that has made visible progress in addressing illegal mining and associated criminal activities across the country.

“I was present when you were inaugurated as the pioneer commander of the Mining Marshals, and it is gratifying to see that your accomplishments have been impactful and inspiring. Thank you for restoring sanity to the mining sector,” she added.

The award recognised Onoja’s contributions to curbing illegal mining, protecting Nigeria’s mineral resources and enhancing security within the country’s solid minerals industry.

Established by the NSCDC, the Mining Marshals were created to strengthen security in the mining sector, dismantle illegal mining networks and support government efforts to maximise revenue from the nation’s mineral resources. Since its inauguration, the unit has recorded notable successes through arrests, prosecutions and the disruption of illegal mining operations in several states.

In his acceptance speech, Onoja dedicated the award to the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, whom he credited with providing the vision and leadership that led to the establishment of the specialised task force. He described the recognition as a tribute to the dedication, professionalism and sacrifices of the officers and men of the Mining Marshals.

The commander also announced plans to integrate more female personnel into the specialised unit, saying the initiative aligns with the corps’ commitment to gender inclusion and contemporary security management. He expressed confidence that greater female participation would enhance operational efficiency while creating additional opportunities for women within the security sector.

The summit attracted a distinguished audience, including the First Ladies of Borno, Yobe and Bauchi states, serving and retired security chiefs, government officials, development partners and civil society stakeholders. Former Inspector-General of Police Suleiman Abba was also honoured for his contributions to national security, peacebuilding and development.

Participants at the event described Onoja’s recognition as a reflection of the growing impact of the Mining Marshals in tackling illegal mining, protecting strategic mineral assets and supporting ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s mining sector as a key driver of economic growth.