Aio White
5th August, 2026
Abuja, Nigeria
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has officially cleared the Commander of its Mining Marshals Unit, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Onoja Attah, of allegations linking him to the alleged diversion of N2 billion and claims of a cover-up surrounding the death of Deputy Superintendent of Corps (DSC) Levi Agada.
Speaking in Abuja, the Commandant-General of the Corps, Ahmed Audi, through the NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, said extensive internal investigations found no evidence connecting ACC Onoja, the lead prosecutor, or the management of the Mining Marshals Unit to the allegations. According to the Corps, the claims were found to be false and unsupported by facts.
The NSCDC also stated that investigators did not establish any evidence of premeditated intent in the circumstances surrounding the death of DSC Agada during an operation in Nasarawa State.
While exonerating the Mining Marshals commander, the Corps announced disciplinary measures against 79 personnel for various acts of misconduct. Among them, two officers attached to the Mining Marshals Unit were dismissed and recommended for prosecution after investigations allegedly linked them to the unlawful supply of firearms to illegal miners. The NSCDC described their actions as grave misconduct, professional negligence, and a violation of the Corps’ operational standards.
The disciplinary action followed investigations into the February operational incident in Nasarawa State that resulted in Agada’s death. However, the Corps emphasized that the sanctions against the dismissed officers are separate from the allegations previously made against ACC Onoja, who was neither found culpable nor subjected to any disciplinary action.
Under ACC John Onoja Attah’s leadership, the Mining Marshals Unit has played a leading role in the Federal Government’s campaign against illegal mining, recording numerous arrests and prosecutions across the country.
