Mining Marshals Commander Seeks Media Support in Tackling Illegal Mining
The Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC John Attah Onoja, has called for increased media support in educating the public on the dangers of illegal mining, its consequences, and the importance of responsible mining practices.
ACC Onoja made this appeal during a courtesy visit to the PRNigeria Centre in Abuja, where he acknowledged the significant role of the media in the successes recorded by the Mining Marshals Special Taskforce in combating illegal mining and protecting communities and the environment from its devastating effects.
He highlighted that, with the backing of the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, and the Corps Marshal General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abubakar Audi, the taskforce has arrested numerous suspects involved in illegal mining. Many of these cases are currently being prosecuted, and minerals worth millions of naira have been seized, effectively denying illegal miners the financial benefits of their illicit activities.
During the visit, ACC Onoja also expressed his gratitude to PRNigeria for recognizing him and his team with the Security and Emergency Management Award (SAEMA) 2024, an honor he described as a motivating force for their continued efforts in safeguarding Nigeria’s mining sector.
In response, the Chief Executive Officer of Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR)—publishers of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential—Mr. Yushau Shuaib, lauded ACC Onoja for his exemplary dedication and unwavering commitment to securing Nigeria’s mineral resources while reinforcing national security.
Shuaib emphasized that SAEMA’s rigorous selection process identified Onoja as a promising and visionary young officer whose proactive approach and steadfast resolve set a high benchmark for excellence in the security sector.
“The award selection process remains rigorous and transparent, with a jury comprising security experts, industry professionals, and independent observers ensuring that only the most deserving individuals and organizations receive recognition for their outstanding achievements,” he stated.
Furthermore, Alhaji Shuaib reaffirmed IMPR’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Mining Marshals, recognizing the agency as a key player in Nigeria’s national security framework.
He underscored the strategic importance of collaboration between the Mining Marshals and the media in addressing the persistent issue of illegal mining in Nigeria. According to him, the media plays a crucial role in raising awareness about the environmental, economic, and social impacts of illegal mining, while also educating the public on responsible mining practices.
He further noted that the PRNigeria Centre is willing to work closely with the Mining Marshals to expose illegal mining operations, thereby deterring potential offenders and encouraging whistleblowers to step forward.
“By working together, we can effectively combat illegal mining and promote a more responsible and environmentally sustainable approach to mineral extraction,” Shuaib concluded.
This renewed media-security collaboration is expected to further strengthen efforts in curbing illegal mining activities while fostering responsible mineral extraction for national development.
