Banditry: Gov Adeleke unveils mining intelligence network 

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has announced new measures to address growing security concerns in Osun State’s mining sector.

This is includes the establishment of a mining community intelligence architecture aimed at preventing the infiltration of suspected bandits into mining communities.

The governor made the announcement during a stakeholders’ conference in Osogbo on Tuesday, where security chiefs, traditional rulers, mining firms, environmental activists and community representatives gathered to discuss security challenges in the mining sector.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Samuel Ojo, Adeleke said the conference was convened because peace and security in Osun State, particularly within the Ife-Ijesa axis, faced emerging threats that required urgent intervention.

According to the governor, “the state government had become increasingly concerned about what it described as a sudden and unregulated influx of individuals from several northern states into mining communities across Osun.

“The government is concerned about the sudden and unregulated influx of persons from states like Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi into our mining communities. While we do not discriminate against Nigerians seeking legitimate work, intelligence shows that this movement is not just about mining.”

He added that intelligence reports suggested that some of the newcomers were introducing criminal activities that had previously affected communities in parts of north-western Nigeria.

“Some of these elements are bringing with them the same criminal templates that have destroyed communities in the North West: armed camps, illegal taxation, recruitment of youths, and creation of parallel authority. If we do not act now, the peace Osun is known for will be sacrificed on the altar of gold,” the governor stated.

Adeleke commended security agencies and community-based actors for their efforts in monitoring activities within the mining sector, noting that his administration was now placing greater emphasis on emerging threats linked to mining operations.

He disclosed that authorities had received credible intelligence regarding the presence of suspected bandit elements around the Ibodi forests and reports of suspicious armed individuals moving within the Ilesa corridor.

The governor also expressed concern over the alleged infiltration of some communities by foreign nationals and non-Nigerians operating under false identities.

“We have also observed that some foreign nationals and non-Nigerians are infiltrating our communities. They speak local languages, carry fake IDs, and pretend to be from other Nigerian states. Their mission is not mining. Their mission is to establish a base. Community leaders, you must help us profile everyone,” he said.

As part of the new security framework, Adeleke announced the creation of a mining community intelligence architecture for the Ife-Ijesa area, linking mining sites, community security committees, traditional rulers, divisional police officers and the State Security Council under the governor’s supervision. 

He directed that every major mining community should establish a seven-member Community Security Committee within 14 days.

The governor urged stakeholders to cooperate fully with the military, police, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Amotekun Corps.

“Osun State will not be a hiding place for bandits. Our gold will not be used to fund terrorism. Let us build this intelligence architecture together. Let us secure our land together,” he said.