The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has honoured the Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps John Attah Onoja, with its Outstanding Operational Commander’s Award.

The recognition was presented during the association’s 2026 Conference and Awards, held on October 12 at the Nigerian Army Command Officers’ Mess 1, WU Bassey Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja.

The event brought together stakeholders in Nigeria’s security sector to examine the increasing importance of technology, intelligence gathering and cooperation among security agencies in responding to emerging threats.

The conference, themed “Beyond Kinetic Warfare: Harnessing Technology and Intelligence-Led Operations for Nigeria’s National Security”, focused on approaches to security operations that extend beyond conventional military and enforcement responses.

Onoja, who leads the NSCDC Mining Marshals, attributed the recognition to the operational and leadership philosophy of the corps’ Commandant-General, Prof. Abubakar Ahmed Audi.

He acknowledged the role of the NSCDC leadership in providing direction for the activities of the specialised unit, which is involved in efforts to combat illegal mining and protect Nigeria’s mineral resources.

Discussions at the conference centred on the need for security institutions to strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance and information-sharing as part of their operational strategies.

Participants examined how technological developments could improve the identification of security threats and support more targeted responses.

The discussions also reflected concerns about the limitations of relying exclusively on conventional enforcement operations in addressing increasingly complex security challenges.

In a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by Air Commodore Stephen Ogunmodele, the Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Gwabin Musa, stressed that military firepower alone could not guarantee national security.

He highlighted the importance of credible intelligence in identifying threats and supporting operations intended to address them.

The minister’s message underscored the need for security agencies to integrate intelligence into operational planning rather than depend solely on the deployment of personnel and equipment.

The approach is particularly relevant to security challenges involving organised networks, illicit economic activities and threats that require sustained monitoring.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi O. Oluyede, also drew attention to the potential role of emerging technologies in improving security operations.

He identified artificial intelligence, geospatial intelligence, space-based surveillance and intelligence fusion among the tools that could strengthen operational effectiveness.

These technologies can support the collection, processing and analysis of information from different sources, helping security agencies develop a more comprehensive understanding of threats.

Geospatial intelligence, for example, can assist in monitoring activities across large or difficult-to-access areas, while the integration of intelligence from multiple agencies can improve coordination.

However, the effectiveness of such systems depends on the quality of available information, the capacity of personnel to interpret it and the ability of institutions to act on their findings.

The conference therefore placed emphasis not only on technology but also on cooperation and information-sharing among security organisations.

For the NSCDC Mining Marshals, the conference’s focus on intelligence-led enforcement is relevant to ongoing efforts to address illegal mineral extraction.

Illegal mining presents security, economic and environmental concerns, particularly in areas where unauthorised activities can be difficult to detect and monitor.

Enforcement operations may involve identifying illegal mining sites, investigating the networks supporting them and preventing the continued exploitation of mineral resources outside the applicable regulatory framework.

Such activities require coordination between security agencies and institutions responsible for mineral resource administration.

Intelligence gathering can also help authorities identify patterns of illegal activity and determine where enforcement resources may be most effectively deployed.

While raids and arrests can form part of enforcement, sustained action against illegal mining requires follow-up investigations, information-sharing and appropriate legal processes.

The protection of mining communities and legitimate economic activities is another important consideration in developing enforcement strategies.

The Mining Marshals’ responsibilities therefore intersect with the broader security priorities discussed at the DECAN conference.

However, the information released about Onoja’s award did not provide specific operational statistics, including the number of illegal mining sites closed, arrests made or prosecutions secured under his command.

Such figures would help provide a clearer assessment of the unit’s operational performance.

Beyond operational security, the conference addressed the responsibilities of journalists covering defence and national security.

Participants discussed the risks associated with artificial intelligence-generated misinformation and the need for accurate reporting in an increasingly complex information environment.

The spread of manipulated images, fabricated recordings and misleading claims can complicate public understanding of security developments.

For defence correspondents, the challenge includes verifying information while avoiding the disclosure of sensitive operational details that could compromise security activities.

The discussions highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between operational security and the public’s right to reliable information.

Responsible defence reporting also requires scrutiny of official claims and attention to the outcomes of security policies and operations.

The conference’s emphasis on technology therefore extended beyond its use by security agencies to its implications for the media and public communication.

The keynote address at the conference was delivered by former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, retired Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai.

His participation formed part of the event’s wider engagement with serving and former security officials on the challenges facing Nigeria’s defence and security institutions.

The gathering provided a platform for discussions about adapting security strategies to changing threats and the growing availability of advanced technological tools.

The recognition presented to Onoja came against this backdrop of calls for stronger intelligence capabilities and more coordinated enforcement.