ACC John Attah Onoja Shines on the National Stage as CRAN Crowns Him ‘Most Proactive Crime Fighter of the Year’

…A Historic Honour for a Trailblazing Commander Redefining Security in Nigeria’s Mining Sector

In a moment defined by glamour, credibility, and profound national significance, the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN) honoured one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising security icons—Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Attah Onoja, Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshals—with the prestigious Most Proactive Crime Fighter of the Year Award.

The high-profile ceremony, held on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the elegant Sheba Event Centre in Ikeja, Lagos, drew an impressive array of top-ranking security chiefs, business leaders, media executives, and policymakers from across the federation. The atmosphere vibrated with admiration as stakeholders applauded men and women whose courage and innovation continue to shape Nigeria’s security architecture.

For many in attendance, ACC John Attah Onoja’s recognition did not come as a surprise—it was the formal celebration of a transformational leader whose strategic brilliance and fearless approach have changed the story of Nigeria’s fight against illegal mining.

In an era when illegal mining threatens the nation’s economy, compromises security, and undermines the integrity of mineral-rich communities, ACC Onoja has emerged as a national asset—an officer whose work is redefining the future of mineral security enforcement.

Under his dynamic leadership, the NSCDC Mining Marshals have evolved into one of Nigeria’s most efficient, intelligence-driven security formations. Notably, his tenure has delivered:

A rapid-response crime-fighting framework that ensures real-time deployment to mining hotspots

A robust intelligence and surveillance network fused with data-backed operations

Effective inter-agency coordination, including seamless joint operations with the police, military, and state authorities

Swift disruption of illegal mining syndicates, leading to the dismantling of sophisticated criminal networks

Protection of critical mineral assets across multiple states, safeguarding billions in national revenue

These accomplishments have positioned the Mining Marshals as a formidable force in the country’s security ecosystem, while also elevating the NSCDC’s profile as the premier agency for mineral assets protection.

In its citation, CRAN praised him as “a proactive leader whose strategic innovations have reshaped the security narrative in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.”

While ACC Onoja stole the spotlight, the 2025 CRAN Awards also celebrated distinguished personalities across military, policing, immigration, business, governance, and community development.

Below are some of the notable honorees:

Security & Military Award Recipients

Major General Farouk Mijinyawa – Excellence in Defence Leadership Medal

Comptroller-General Kemi Nanna Nandap – Platinum Award in Immigration Services

AIG Margaret Ochalla – Platinum Award in Innovative Policing

Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel – Maritime Security & Anti-Piracy Leadership Award

CP Moshood Olohundare Jimoh – Commissioner of Police of the Year

Comptroller Godwin Olugbenga Otunla – Sentinel of Nigeria’s Borders Award

Comptroller Frank Onyeka – Integrity & Anti-Smuggling Champion Award

Alhaji Akeem Osuolale – Peace Ambassador Award

ACP Bamidele Awoniyi (Area D, Mushin) – Excellence in Crime Fighting

ACP Ojo Oluyemisi (Area J, Elemoro) – Excellence in Crime Fighting

ACP Bisi Okuwobi – Star Award in Crime Prevention

ACP Bamidele Olusola – Excellence in Crime Fighting

ACI Akinola Akinlabi – Excellence in Immigration Service

CSC Oscar Ivara – Outstanding Spokesperson of the Year

CSP Benjamin Hundeyin – Excellence in Police Image Laundering

Late CSP Matilda Ngbaronye – Posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award

Business, Leadership & Community Development Awardees

Chief (Dr.) Charles Mba – 2025 Investor of the Year

Chibuike Emmanuel – Most Resourceful ICT Entrepreneur

Eze Chukwudi Boniface Okparaku – Lifetime Award in Philanthropy

Mr. David Aduaka – Most Security-Conscious Company

Chief Kelvin Jombo Onumah – Trailblazer in Luxury Hospitality & Real Estate

Chief Dr. Amb. Emmanuel Udechukwu – Most Transformative Real Estate Leader

Engr. Stella Ifeoma Okengwu – Trailblazer Award for Women in Business & Real Estate

Chinedu Ezidiegwu – Excellence in Real Estate Development & Affordable Housing

Chidi Amechi – Real Estate Visionary Award

Edwin Jeffrey Agbim – Award for Durable & Affordable Real Estate

Madam Olanike Eunice – Inspiring Woman in Business & Philanthropy

Dr. Segun Musa – Excellence Award for National Development

Chief Olanrewaju Olabinjo – Excellence in Community Security Support

CRAN’s annual awards remain a credible platform that celebrates exceptional Nigerians whose work strengthens national development, enhances institutional integrity, and inspires positive change across sectors.

Yet among all the shining lights of the event, ACC John Attah Onoja’s honour stood out—not just for its prestige, but for what it symbolizes.

His recognition as the Most Proactive Crime Fighter of the Year is a powerful validation of his discipline, foresight, operational ingenuity, and steadfast commitment to securing Nigeria’s mineral resources. It affirms his position as one of the most innovative security leaders navigating the complexities of the modern policing landscape.

As he mounted the stage to receive his award, applause thundered through the hall. Stakeholders and dignitaries unanimously agreed:
Nigeria needs more leaders with the courage, integrity, and proactive excellence embodied by ACC John Attah Onoja.