The Commander of the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, ACC Attah John Onoja, has refuted allegations of involvement in criminal activities in response to The Guardian’s online publication of 23rd June 2025, headlined: “Community alleges involvement of mining marshals in illegal mining.”

The said publication reproduced the statement issued by the Secretary of the Mining Committee in Agwada Development Area of Nasarawa State, Comrade Ode Eshimuti, wherein mining marshals led by ACC Attah John Onoja were accused of illegal mining, child labour, infanticide, armed robbery, unlawful detention of foreign nationals, and extortion.

However, Onoja, through his solicitors, Alpha & Rohi, described the allegations as false, unsubstantiated, and a calculated attempt by mischief-makers to discredit his hard-earned reputation. Onoja’s lawyers lamented that the publication has caused their client considerable personal and professional distress, including unwarranted investigations, threats, and reputational harm.

According to them, the untrue statement was intended “to create an unfair and damaging impression of the professional and personal integrity of ACC Attah John Onoja, who has over the years built a distinguished career as a disciplined security officer, trained locally and internationally in intelligence, investigation, human rights compliance, and arms handling.”

Setting the record straight, they clarified that the Mining Marshals were engaged in official operations pursuant to petitions lodged with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the NSCDC concerning illegal mining activities within Nasarawa State.

“Official correspondence and investigations from the Mines Inspectorate Department and the Federal Mines Officer confirmed that certain individuals and companies were indeed operating illegally on mineral title areas belonging to Apex Synergy Global Services Ltd, and that enforcement action taken by the Mining Marshals was within their lawful mandate.”

The documentary evidence presented by the lawyers confirms Onoja’s track record as a highly trained security expert and seasoned law enforcement agent. Prior to his current deployment as the pioneer Commander of the Mining Marshals, he was attached to the Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation as the Commander of NSCDS DII Tactical Team at the National Headquarters of the Corps.

Following his current appointment, Onoja has received several commendations and awards from reputable institutions, namely: “Most Resourceful Operational Officer of the Year” by National Crimes Watch Awards (October 2024), Outstanding Security Officer” by Security and Emergency Management (SEMA) Award (November 2024), etc.

The Mining Marshals have similarly received commendations from the Federal Government for their contributions to enhancing revenue generation for the Nigerian mining sector. As published on the official website of the State House in Abuja on 25th May 2025, mining generated N38 billion revenue in 2024, as against the sum of N6 billion generated the previous year.

In the said publication, the State House also confirmed that “in the first quarter of 2025, the two regulatory agencies, Mining Cadastral Office and the Mines Inspectorate, have already recorded N6.9 billion and N7 billion in revenue respectively”, with specific reference to the contributions of the Mining Marshals in enforcement efforts.