Banditry: Adeleke establishes mining intelligence architecture to curb bandit influx

By Ismail Azeez

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has introduced a new security framework aimed at tackling growing security challenges within the state’s mining sector and halting the irregular influx of suspected bandits into mining communities.

In a statement released on Tuesday by his spokesperson, the governor expressed deep concern over the sudden and unregulated migration of individuals from states like Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi into Osun.

He clarified that while his administration does not discriminate against Nigerians seeking legitimate employment, credible intelligence indicates that this movement goes beyond mining activities.

Addressing a stakeholders’ conference comprising security chiefs, traditional rulers, mining firms, environmental activists, and community leaders, the governor warned that the peace of the state, particularly along the Ife-Ijesa axis, is under direct threat.

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Security, Mr. Samuel Ojo, Esq., Governor Adeleke stated that some incoming elements are attempting to introduce criminal templates that have destabilized parts of the North West, including establishing armed camps, enforcing illegal taxation, recruiting youths, and creating parallel local authorities.

The governor revealed that security reports point to specific threats regarding the presence of suspected bandits around the Ibodi forests and suspicious armed movements along the Ilesa corridor.

He further disclosed that foreign nationals are infiltrating local communities by learning local dialects and carrying falsified identification cards to disguise their origins and establish criminal bases.

He also tasked community leaders with strict profiling, urging them to flag any individuals whose origins and intentions cannot be verified.

To counter these emerging threats, Governor Adeleke announced the immediate establishment of a mining community intelligence architecture. This structure links mining sites and community security committees directly to traditional rulers, Divisional Police Officers, and ultimately the State Security Council under the governor’s supervision.

As part of this directive, every major mining community in Osun State must constitute a seven-man Community Security Committee within the next fourteen days.

The governor concluded by demanding maximum cooperation from all stakeholders with the Military, Police, DSS, NSCDC, and Amotekun Corps.

He instructed operators to open their sites for regular security patrols and urged community leaders to report suspicious activities early, warning them never to shield criminal elements for financial gain.