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Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has announced fresh measures to tackle rising security concerns within the state’s mining sector.

The measures include the establishment of a mining community intelligence network aimed at preventing the infiltration of suspected bandits into mining communities.

The governor made the announcement during a stakeholders’ conference held in Osogbo on Tuesday, where security chiefs, traditional rulers, mining companies, environmental activists and community representatives met to discuss security challenges affecting 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 in the Ife-Ijesa axis, are facing emerging threats that require urgent attention.

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 indicate that some of the new arrivals are introducing criminal activities similar to those that have affected communities in parts of North-West 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 stakeholders for their efforts in monitoring activities within the mining sector, noting that his administration is now placing greater focus on emerging threats linked to mining operations.

He disclosed that authorities have received credible intelligence regarding the presence of suspected bandit elements around the Ibodi forests, as well as reports of suspicious armed individuals moving through 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 establishment of a mining community intelligence architecture for the Ife-Ijesa area, connecting 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 work closely 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.

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