NSCDC Commander Calls for Action Against Terror Funding

John Attah Onoja, the Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals, stated that the government and stakeholders must prioritize cutting off funding sources to terrorists to combat violent extremism effectively. He made this assertion during a courtesy visit from members of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) at his office in Abuja over the weekend.

Onoja highlighted the importance of dismantling illegal mining cartels, which he identified as a potential source of funding for banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism. He argued that disrupting the flow of illicit funds would weaken the operational capacity of criminal groups, making such activities less attractive.

The Mining Marshals are committed to enforcing mining laws and maintaining a presence in mining communities, despite challenges in manpower and logistics. Onoja emphasized the role of collaboration, particularly with the media, in achieving a sanitized mining sector.