By Isiaka Mustapha

Without mincing words, Attah John Onoja, an Assistant Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Commander of its Mining Marshal, enjoys the confidence of his Principal and Mentor, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, the highly revered Commandant General of the NSCDC, due to his loyalty, high productivity, efficiency, and strong commitment to ethical standards. This explains why Attah’s appointment as Helmsman of the NSCDC Mining Marshal Unit did not come as a surprise to many stakeholders. They often attest that Attah, as one of the numerous mentees of CG Audi, has been well-groomed by the leadership of the NSCDC for this role. He has also demonstrated great passion for it. So, what’s more.?

Many sources within and beyond the NSCDC space would readily vouch for Attah’s uncompromising ethical compliance and character. Since his appointment as Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshal, Attah has been saddled with the tedious task of achieving a sanitized mining sector for Nigeria, under the supervision of Dr. Ahmed Audi, his Mentor and Principal.

An independent investigation revealed how the super cop had almost been caught in crossfire with criminal illegal miners; he narrowly escaped death by a whisker. Attah, a dedicated NSCDC officer, is not a man to be frightened by threats. He has overcome several life-threatening obstacles to carry out his assignment effectively, further endearing him to the high command of the Dr. Audi-led NSCDC.

Only some months ago, the Solid Minerals Minister, Dr. Dele Alake, publicly commended Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi for his decision to opt for whom he described as an intelligent and incorruptible Mining Marshal Commander for the sensitive job of overseeing Nigeria’s mining sites.

‘’The Mining Commander, ACC Attah and his men have continued to portray and project the image of the NSCDC in good manner with their refusal to compromise their intergrity which has subsequently safeguarded the Mining industry and saved Nigerians billions of dollars in potential revenue for the country.’’ Dr Alake remarked about Attah’s intergrity.

It’s quite heartwarming that, within the span of one year since its creation, the Special Mining Marshal of the NSCDC has apprehended over 500 illegal mining suspects and recovered over 250 illegal mining sites. The Mining Marshal Unit has continued to work tirelessly to protect Nigeria’s mineral resources, and this has earned it accolades from stakeholders and the general public.