Osogbo — Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has unveiled a new security strategy for the state’s mining sector, including the establishment of a mining community intelligence network to curb the infiltration of suspected bandits and other criminal elements into mining communities.
The governor announced the initiative on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ conference in Osogbo, attended by security chiefs, traditional rulers, mining companies, environmental advocates and community representatives to address rising security concerns in the mining sector.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Samuel Ojo, Adeleke said the meeting was convened in response to emerging threats to peace and security, particularly across the Ife-Ijesa axis, where mining activities have expanded significantly.
According to the governor, the state has become increasingly concerned over what he described as the sudden and unregulated influx of individuals from states including Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi into mining communities across Osun.
“While we do not discriminate against Nigerians seeking legitimate work, intelligence shows that this movement is not just about mining,” Adeleke said.
He disclosed that intelligence reports indicate that some of the new arrivals may be introducing criminal networks similar to those responsible for insecurity in parts of Nigeria’s North-West.
“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 the creation of parallel authority. If we do not act now, the peace Osun is known for will be sacrificed on the altar of gold,” he warned.
The governor praised security agencies and community-based stakeholders for their efforts in monitoring activities within the mining sector, noting that his administration is intensifying surveillance as security risks linked to mining operations continue to evolve.
He further revealed that the government had received credible intelligence on the presence of suspected bandits around the Ibodi forests, as well as reports of suspicious armed individuals operating along the Ilesa corridor.
Adeleke also raised concerns over the alleged infiltration of some communities by foreign nationals posing as Nigerians.
“We have observed that some foreign nationals and non-Nigerians are infiltrating our communities. They speak local languages, carry fake identities and claim to be from other Nigerian states. Their mission is not mining; their mission is to establish a base. Community leaders must help us profile everyone,” he said.
As part of the new security framework, the governor announced the creation of a mining community intelligence architecture across the Ife-Ijesa area. The initiative will connect mining sites, community security committees, traditional rulers, divisional police officers and the State Security Council under the governor’s supervision.
He also directed every major mining community in the state to establish a seven-member Community Security Committee within the next 14 days.
Adeleke called on all stakeholders to work closely with the military, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Amotekun Corps to strengthen security across mining communities.
“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,” the governor declared.
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