By Isiaka Mustapha, Chief Operating Officer\/Editor-in-Chief, People\u2019s Security Monitor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Nigeria\u2019s vast and mineral-rich landscapes, danger lies deep beneath the ground; not just in the unstable pits of illegal mining sites, but in the armed syndicates that control them. For the men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), especially those in the Special Mining Marshals, every mission is a journey between courage and mortality. \u201cEvery operation looks like the last one, because we are not too sure we\u2019ll come back,\u201d says Assistant Commander of Corps, Onoja John Attah, the Commander of the elite Special Mining Marshals, in an Interview culled from the official Facebook handle of the NSCDC Special Mining Marshals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Attah paints a picture of quiet fear and unspoken sacrifice that defines the life of his officers. \u201cBefore we go out on any mission, many of us call our wives to say something nice, as if we are writing our will, though they never know why,\u201d he revealed. \u201cThat\u2019s how dangerous it has become. You may not return. The enemy is often invisible, and every assignment feels like walking into an ambush.\u201d His words reveal not just the emotional toll of the fight against illegal mining, but also the profound bravery of men who step into danger with no certainty of coming back alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking from the command\u2019s field office, Attah confessed that every operation feels like it could be the last. \u201cBefore every mission, we talk to our wives as if we are writing our will,\u201d he said softly. \u201cWe never tell them that, of course. But the truth is that we face situations where the chances of coming back are never guaranteed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He described the struggle against illegal mining as one of Nigeria\u2019s toughest internal security battles. \u201cThe danger and risks involved are monumental, in fact, they are mega,\u201d he stressed. \u201cIllegal miners are not just poor villagers; many are backed by powerful cartels with deep financial interests. These people can be ruthless, heavily armed, and well connected.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite the constant threat, the Commander said the Special Mining Marshals have recorded remarkable successes. \u201cOur efforts are paying off,\u201d he noted with pride. \u201cThe revenue base in the solid minerals sector has increased astronomically, and this has contributed greatly to Nigeria\u2019s growing economic stability.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to him, the corps\u2019 strategic operations across different states have disrupted illegal mining networks that previously drained the country\u2019s wealth. \u201cWhat we are doing is saving billions of naira that used to disappear into the hands of criminals. The solid minerals sector is now beginning to breathe again,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Attah explained that one of the corps\u2019 strongest weapons is public awareness. \u201cWe have raised the level of awareness nationwide. Through our campaigns, the communities hosting mining activities are now more conscious of the consequences of illegal mining. They see it as an environmental and health threat, not just a security issue.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said the corps has invested heavily in community engagement, organizing town hall meetings, workshops, and school outreach programmes to sensitize the public. \u201cThe level of cooperation we receive now is far better than when we started,\u201d he said. \u201cMany host communities call us whenever they notice suspicious activities in their areas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The commander credited this success to the corps\u2019 consistent message that illegal mining destroys the ecosystem and threatens the lives of future generations. \u201cWe have drastically reduced environmental and health dangers through awareness campaigns. People now understand that a destroyed land means a destroyed livelihood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He explained that even those who once participated in illegal mining are gradually turning to legitimate means of livelihood. \u201cSome of them are now cooperating with us because they fear prosecution. But beyond that, they now see the bigger picture that protecting our mineral wealth is a collective duty that benefits everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In terms of enforcement, Attah revealed that the corps has made impressive progress. \u201cWe have arrested hundreds of suspects involved in illegal mining across different states,\u201d he said. \u201cWe have charged viable cases to court and ensured that due process is followed from investigation to prosecution.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He emphasized that the NSCDC Special Mining Marshals operate strictly within the law. \u201cWe don\u2019t just arrest people for the sake of it,\u201d he said. \u201cWe ensure that every case is properly investigated before prosecution. We detest trampling on citizens\u2019 rights and always act in accordance with the constitution.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Attah, the corps maintains an uncompromising standard of professionalism. \u201cWe place high premium on citizens\u2019 fundamental human rights and the rule of law,\u201d he declared. \u201cEvery exhibit we seize is preserved and documented carefully for tendering in court. Transparency is key in all we do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The commander also spoke about the psychological and emotional burden of their mission. \u201cSometimes, we go for days in hostile terrain with limited food and water,\u201d he said. \u201cYet, we keep moving because we believe in what we are doing. Our families worry, but they also understand that this is service to the nation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He commended his officers for their resilience and bravery. \u201cThese men and women are heroes,\u201d he said. \u201cThey stand in the face of danger every day, often without adequate recognition. But they remain focused because they love their country.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reflecting on the progress so far, Attah said the corps remains motivated by the tangible results seen in the sector. \u201cOur operations have restored investor confidence, improved government revenue, and brought a sense of order to the mining environment. These are milestones we are proud of.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He, however, called for more public support and collaboration. \u201cWe are happy to be serving Nigerians,\u201d he said. \u201cBut this is not a battle we can fight alone. We still need more support from state governments, community leaders, and traditional institutions to sustain our success.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Attah also took time to commend the visionary leadership guiding the corps. \u201cLuckily for us, we are serving under leaders of integrity, honour, and transparency,\u201d he remarked. \u201cBoth the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, and our Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, are sterling examples of patriotism in public service.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to him, their passion for reform and accountability has transformed the nation\u2019s solid minerals sector. \u201cTheir leadership inspires us to give our best no matter the risk,\u201d he said. \u201cThey are constantly motivating us to see our work as a national duty, not just a job.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the interview drew to a close, Attah\u2019s tone became reflective. \u201cFor every operation we undertake, there is uncertainty; but also purpose,\u201d he said. \u201cWe are determined to save Nigeria from the claws of illegal miners. This fight is about our collective survival and the future of our nation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He ended with a message of hope. \u201cNigeria\u2019s solid minerals are a blessing, not a curse,\u201d he said. \u201cWith unity, vigilance, and integrity, we can turn this sector into one of the pillars of national prosperity. The NSCDC Special Mining Marshals will continue to give their all, even when every mission feels like the last.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By Isiaka Mustapha, Chief Operating Officer\/Editor-in-Chief, People\u2019s Security Monitor In Nigeria\u2019s vast and mineral-rich landscapes, danger lies deep beneath the ground; not just in the unstable pits of illegal mining…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":11581,"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-16723","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pages"],"yoast_head":"\n