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Commander John Onoja Attah of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals says his recognition at the 2025 Silent Heroes Awards is a testament to the renewed drive within the Corps under the leadership of Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His words: ‘This recognition is not just personal; it is symbolic of the renewed energy within the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps under the visionary leadership of our Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
‘I dedicate this honour to him for designing a security architecture that is yielding practical results, especially in the mining sector.’<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He called for enhanced collaboration, intelligence sharing, and mutual respect among all security agencies, stressing that economic sabotage cannot be defeated in silos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
‘The fight against illegal mining and other forms of economic sabotage requires a united front – one driven by trust, intelligence sharing, and mutual respect among all arms of our national security apparatus,’ he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Attah added that Nigeria’s security architecture must expand to include local communities and development institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
‘Let this moment serve as a clarion call to all stakeholders: the time has come to deepen synergy across sectors of national development, especially between security agencies, ministries, and local communities,’ he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Commander Attah received the Security Heroism Award at the 2025 edition of the Silent Heroes Awards, held in Abuja on Saturday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The event focused on the sacrifices of frontline officers and professionals whose work rarely makes headlines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Attah’s recognition comes amid increased scrutiny of illegal mining activities across mineral-rich corridors in Nigeria, where he has led a sustained clampdown – earning both resistance and commendation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ceremony attracted top dignitaries from the security, political, and development sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Among those in attendance were: Usman Ahmed Ododo; governor of Kogi (represented by retired commander Jerry Omodara), General Christopher Musa; chief of defence staff (represented by Rear Admiral E.O. Bankole) and Dr Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police (represented by Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Others are Chief Uche Nnaji, minister of innovation, science and technology (represented by Dr Matthew Adepoju, DG of NASRDA); Mr Tony Elumelu, banker and philanthropist and HRH Sir Simeon Ujah, Ejeh of Olamaboro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sonia Sunday Odita, project coordinator of the Silent Heroes Awards, said the initiative seeks to honour Nigerians who quietly drive progress in public service, governance, and humanitarian sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She said: ‘These are Nigerians who, in their corners, defy danger, pressure, and anonymity to keep the wheels of our country turning – especially in security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
‘The awards remind us that patriotism isn’t always loud; sometimes it is found in the daily consistency of those who choose integrity.’<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Commander Attah was one of 40 honourees across sectors including governance, business, health, civil service, and national security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Notable recipients included Muhammadu Sanusi II; Emir of Kano, Dr Daniel Olukoya; general overseer MFM, Senator Bala Mohammed; governor of Bauchi; Hon Benjamin Kalu; deputy speaker, House of Representatives, Dr Bello Matawalle; minister of defence and Prince Arthur Eze, businessman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also awarded were Engr Abubakar Momoh; minister of Niger Delta affairs, Dr Adedolap Fasawe; FCT mandate secretary for health, Engr Abisoye Coker-Odusote; DG, National Identity Management Commission and Hajiya Zubaida Umar, DG, NEMA, among others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking on behalf of the honourees, Attah praised the organisers for a transparent selection process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
‘This recognition speaks not just to my efforts but to the tireless dedication of countless officers in the line of duty,’ he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He expressed gratitude to Commandant General Audi for repositioning the NSCDC, and to the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake, for their policy and political support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Established in 2018, the Silent Heroes Awards celebrate Nigerians whose contributions often go unnoticed but are crucial to the country’s development.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Commander John Onoja Attah of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals says his recognition at the 2025 Silent Heroes Awards is a testament to the renewed…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":10636,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_crdt_document":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10631","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pages"],"yoast_head":"\n