Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Attah John Onoja, Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals, has been invested as Grand Patron of the Silent Heroes Awards Initiative (SHA) 2026 in recognition of his contributions to the fight against illegal mining and public service.

The honour was conferred during the 2026 edition of the Silent Heroes Awards held in Abuja, where outstanding individuals from the security, governance, public and private sectors were recognised for their contributions to national development.

The recognition comes amid heightened efforts by the NSCDC Mining Marshals to curb illegal mining across Nigeria through enforcement operations targeting unauthorised mining activities and illegal mineral trading.

Speaking at the ceremony, Convener of the Silent Heroes Awards Initiative, Odita Sunday, said the awards were established in 2018 to celebrate Nigerians whose dedication and service often go unnoticed despite their impact on society.

According to him, the initiative recognises individuals who have demonstrated integrity, innovation, patriotism and commitment to national development while encouraging a culture that places public service above personal recognition.

Sunday said Onoja’s leadership of the Mining Marshals and his role in advancing the protection of Nigeria’s solid mineral resources informed the decision to invest him as Grand Patron of the initiative.

He also acknowledged the support of several individuals and institutions that have contributed to the growth of the initiative over the years.

Responding after receiving the honour, Onoja described the recognition as both a privilege and a renewed call to greater service.

He dedicated the honour to the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, for providing the leadership and institutional support that have enabled the Mining Marshals to carry out their mandate.

Onoja also dedicated the recognition to officers and personnel of the Mining Marshals, commending their professionalism, resilience and commitment in confronting illegal mining despite the risks associated with the assignment.

According to him, the recognition belongs to every member of the unit whose daily sacrifices continue to protect Nigeria’s mineral resources and support the Federal Government’s efforts to sanitise the solid minerals sector.

He reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to strengthening enforcement operations, protecting the nation’s mineral wealth and promoting lawful mining activities in support of national development.

The award adds to a growing list of recognitions received by Onoja following the Mining Marshals’ increased enforcement activities as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to combat illegal mining, improve environmental protection and maximise revenue from the solid minerals sector.

Other recipients honoured at the ceremony included Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who received the Silent Hero Award for Education and Infrastructure Development; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, recognised for his contributions to defence media operations; Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, honoured for food security initiatives; and Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, who received the Silent Hero in Governance Award.

A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of Nigeria’s Silent Heroes, a publication documenting the contributions of Nigerians whose service has made significant impacts on national development despite receiving little public attention.

Participants described the ceremony as a celebration of individuals whose dedication, integrity and commitment continue to strengthen national development across different sectors.