Governor Ademola Adeleke has announced a series of measures aimed at addressing emerging security threats within Osun State's mining sector, including the establishment of a Mining Community Intelligence Architecture to curb criminal activities and prevent the infiltration of suspected bandits into mining communities.

 

The governor made the disclosure during a stakeholders’ conference convened to address growing concerns over security challenges in mining areas across the state, particularly within the Ife-Ijesa axis.

 

Represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Samuel Ojo, the governor said the conference brought together security chiefs, traditional rulers, mining operators, environmental advocates, and community leaders to develop a coordinated security framework for mining communities.

 

According to Adeleke, intelligence reports indicate that the peace and security of Osun State are facing increasing threats due to the influx of individuals from some northern states into mining communities.

 

“The government is concerned about the sudden and unregulated influx of persons from states such as Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi into our mining communities. While we do not discriminate against Nigerians seeking legitimate employment opportunities, available intelligence suggests that this movement extends beyond mining activities,” he said.

 

The governor warned that some of the newcomers were allegedly introducing criminal structures similar to those associated with banditry in parts of northwestern Nigeria, including the establishment of armed camps, illegal taxation systems, youth recruitment networks, and parallel authority structures.

 

“If proactive measures are not taken, the peace for which Osun is known could be undermined by criminal interests linked to illegal mining activities,” he added.

 

Adeleke commended security agencies and community-based security groups for their efforts in monitoring activities within the mining sector, noting that his administration has intensified surveillance following reports of suspected criminal elements operating around the Ibodi forest area and the Ilesa corridor.

 

The governor also raised concerns about the alleged presence of foreign nationals and undocumented individuals within some mining communities, claiming that some use fake identification documents and false identities to evade detection.

 

He urged traditional rulers and community leaders to strengthen local vigilance mechanisms by properly profiling residents and reporting suspicious activities to security agencies.

 

As part of the new security strategy, Adeleke announced the creation of a Mining Community Intelligence Architecture that will connect mining sites, community security committees, traditional institutions, divisional police offices, and the State Security Council for intelligence gathering and rapid response.

 

Under the initiative, all major mining communities have been directed to establish seven-member Community Security Committees within the next 14 days to support local intelligence collection and security coordination.

 

The governor further called on mining companies and residents to cooperate fully with security agencies, including the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun Corps.

 

He urged stakeholders to provide timely information to authorities and refrain from shielding criminal elements for economic gain.

 

Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives, protecting communities, and ensuring that the state’s mineral resources are not exploited to finance criminal activities.

 

“Osun State will not become a safe haven for bandits, and our mineral resources will not be used to fund terrorism. We must work together to secure our communities and preserve the peace and prosperity of our state,” the governor stated.

 

The conference is expected to produce actionable recommendations that will strengthen security coordination and enhance surveillance across mining communities in Osun State.