The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has conferred its Outstanding Operational Commander's Award on ACC John Attah Onoja, Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals. The award was presented during DECAN's 2026 Conference and Awards ceremony, held on Monday, October 12, at the Nigerian Army Command Officers' Mess 1, WU Bassey Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja.
Conference Theme and Senior Defence Leadership
The event was themed "Beyond Kinetic Warfare: Harnessing Technology and Intelligence-Led Operations for Nigeria's National Security." Senior military officials used the platform to discuss the growing role of technology and intelligence in Nigeria's national security architecture, with a clear shift from conventional military force towards intelligence-driven approaches.
The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), was represented by Air Commodore Stephen Ogunmodele, who delivered a goodwill message. The minister emphasised that military firepower alone is insufficient to guarantee national security, underlining the importance of intelligence in detecting threats and enabling targeted operations.
Chief of Defence Staff on Technology and Intelligence
Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Olufemi O. Oluyede spoke on the value of artificial intelligence, geospatial intelligence, space-based surveillance, and intelligence fusion in boosting operational effectiveness across security agencies. The keynote address was delivered by Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd.), former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin.
ACC Onoja credited the honour to the operational philosophy and leadership of the NSCDC Commandant-General, Prof. Abubakar Ahmed Audi, mni, OFR. His recognition highlights the increasing importance of intelligence-led enforcement in the mining sector.
Mining Marshals and Intelligence-Led Operations
Conference discussions pointed to the relevance of intelligence-led operations for the work of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, whose mandate includes combating illegal mining, protecting Nigeria's mineral resources, and disrupting criminal activity at extraction sites. Speakers noted that effective enforcement goes beyond raids and arrests, requiring credible intelligence, inter-agency coordination, and sustained pressure on illegal operators.
In a related development, Nigeria's Mining Marshals carried out a joint enforcement and compliance operation across several locations in Nasarawa state. The operation targeted illegal mining activities and verified that licenced mineral title holders are working within their approved boundaries. It was triggered by complaints of unlawful mineral exploitation in the state. Officials also aimed to confirm that legitimate operators are not straying outside their designated coordinates, a move aimed at protecting mining assets and preventing resource theft.
Responsible Reporting in the Defence Space
The conference also raised concerns about AI-generated misinformation within the defence space. It called on journalists covering security matters to report responsibly, protecting operational security without undermining public accountability.
The award to ACC Onoja and the conference deliberations underscore a broader push towards technology and intelligence-led operations as central pillars of Nigeria's security strategy.
