The Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Onoja Attah, has dedicated his recent honour from the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN) to security personnel who lost their lives while serving the nation.
Speaking shortly after receiving the award, Attah said the recognition was not his alone but belonged to “all officers and men, military and paramilitary, who paid the supreme price for our dear nation.”
He described the fallen heroes as patriots whose sacrifices must never be forgotten.
Attah used the occasion to urge Nigerians across all backgrounds to support the Federal Government’s ongoing security efforts, stressing that the country’s challenges require collective responsibility.
According to him, national progress depends heavily on citizens’ willingness to stand together in difficult times.
He cautioned against allowing sentiment to shape public debate, noting that emotional reactions may yield “temporary gain but permanent pain.”
He called on Nigerians to embrace a stronger sense of nationalism and to prioritise actions that promote peace, unity, and long-term stability.
The Mining Marshals Commander also encouraged citizens to reflect on the future they hope to bequeath to the next generation, saying, “the Nigeria of tomorrow is largely dependent on our conduct today.”
Attah ended with a prayer for the nation’s success and a reaffirmation of patriotism: “May Nigeria succeed. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The CRAN award recognised his leadership and contributions to national security, particularly in the fight against illegal mining, a sector where the Mining Marshals continue to play a frontline role in safeguarding the country’s mineral assets.
