ACC John Attah Onoja Shines on the National Stage as CRAN Names Him Most Proactive Crime Fighter of the Year
…A Stellar Honour for the Trailblazing Commander Redefining Security in Nigeria’s Mining Sector
In a moment defined by prestige, excellence, and national recognition, the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN) conferred one of its most coveted honours on the Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Attah Onoja, declaring him the Most Proactive Crime Fighter of the Year at the 2025 CRAN Awards and Lecture.
The widely attended event took place on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the Sheba Event Centre in Ikeja, Lagos, drawing top security chiefs, captains of industry, thought leaders, and media executives from across Nigeria.
For many observers, ACC Onoja’s emergence as the star honoree of the award was not just well-deserved—it was inevitable. In an era when illegal mining threatens national revenue, community safety, and the country’s mineral wealth, Onoja has distinguished himself as a fearless reformer, an innovative strategist, and one of Nigeria’s most efficient security administrators.
Under his watch, the Mining Marshals have evolved into one of the country’s most dynamic and intelligence-driven security squads. ACC Onoja’s leadership is synonymous with:
Rapid-response crime-fighting systems
Data-backed intelligence surveillance networks
Effective inter-agency collaboration
Swift dismantling of illegal mining syndicates
Protection of critical mineral assets in multiple states
His transformative operations have not only curbed the activities of illegal mining cartels but have also repositioned the NSCDC as the nation’s leading force in mineral assets protection.
CRAN described him as “a leader whose proactive strategies have changed the security narrative in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.”
While ACC Onoja took centre stage, the 2025 CRAN Awards also celebrated exemplary Nigerians across military, security, immigration, governance, business, and community development.
Security & Military Awardees
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 and 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
CRAN extended its spotlight beyond uniformed services, honouring outstanding figures whose work influences the economy, enterprise, and society:
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
The 2025 CRAN Awards reinforced the association’s commitment to honouring Nigerians who demonstrate professionalism, courage, innovation, and outstanding contributions to nation-building.
Yet, among the moment’s shining stars, ACC John Attah Onoja’s honour resonated the loudest. His recognition as the Most Proactive Crime Fighter of the Year speaks to a career built on discipline, innovation, and an unyielding dedication to protecting Nigeria’s mineral assets.
As he stood proudly on stage holding the coveted CRAN trophy, attendees agreed on one thing:
Nigeria needs more security leaders with the integrity, foresight, and proactive excellence that ACC Onoja represents.
