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

The Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant Attah John Onoja, has declared that Nigeria’s economic future depends on the protection of its vast mineral resources, urging government institutions, security agencies and stakeholders to embrace strategic resource nationalism as a vital tool for national development.

Speaking at the 4th Nigerian Nation Builders Annual Conference in Abuja, Onoja said the era when Nigeria’s mineral wealth was left vulnerable to illegal exploitation must come to an end, stressing that the nation’s solid minerals remain one of its most valuable strategic assets for economic diversification, industrial growth and job creation.

Addressing participants drawn from government, academia, the private sector and civil society, he warned that illegal mining has become a serious threat to national security, capable of fuelling criminal activities, undermining lawful investment and depriving the country of billions in revenue.

He maintained that protecting mineral resources is not only an economic necessity but also a critical national security responsibility.

Highlighting the achievements of the Mining Marshals, Onoja disclosed that the specialised unit has restored more than 100 mining sites to legitimate owners, recorded about 700 arrests linked to illegal mining activities and initiated numerous prosecutions before the Federal High Court.

He described the unit as a strategic intervention established to sanitise the mining sector, protect investors, secure mining communities and create an enabling environment for responsible exploitation of mineral resources.The Mining Marshals Commander advocated stronger regulation, formalisation of artisanal mining, local value addition and improved transparency across the sector. He argued that Nigeria must move beyond exporting raw minerals and instead harness its resources to drive industrialisation, technological advancement, employment generation and sustainable prosperity.

Onoja further noted that the widespread distribution of mineral resources across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones presents a unique opportunity to stimulate local economies, promote inclusive development and reduce dependence on crude oil revenues. According to him, the nation’s mineral wealth must be managed in a manner that places national interest, economic security and community development at the forefront.He commended the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, for providing the leadership that has strengthened the Corps’ capacity to protect critical national assets and confront emerging threats within the extractive industry.

He noted that the establishment and continued success of the Mining Marshals reflect the Commandant General’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s strategic resources and advancing economic security.The conference also witnessed widespread commendation for the Mining Marshals.

Representing the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, retired, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, retired, praised Onoja for his courage, professionalism and dedication to national service.

He equally applauded the operational successes of the Mining Marshals in combating illegal mining, protecting legitimate mining interests and supporting efforts to restore investor confidence in the sector.Onoja called for sustained collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, the legislature, judiciary, traditional rulers, host communities and investors, insisting that the protection of Nigeria’s mineral resources requires a united national effort.

He emphasised that the true wealth of the nation lies not merely in the minerals beneath the ground but in the ability of those resources to create jobs, strengthen industries, improve livelihoods and transform the economy. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Mining Marshals to protecting Nigeria’s mineral assets, confronting illegal exploitation and securing the country’s mineral future for generations to come.

The conference concluded with a renewed call for stronger protection of Nigeria’s solid mineral resources and greater recognition of the role being played by the Mining Marshals in defending one of the nation’s most strategic economic frontiers.