By Rasheeda Hamidu
The Osun State Government has launched a mining community intelligence network to prevent banditry and other security threats linked to mining activities across the state.
On Tuesday, Governor Ademola Adeleke unveiled the initiative through his Special Adviser on Security, Samuel Ojo, during a stakeholders’ conference in Osogbo, according to TVC News, which cited a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
According to the statement, the meeting was convened following intelligence reports of suspected criminal elements moving into mining communities, particularly along the Ife-Ijesa axis.
Adeleke said the government was concerned about the influx of people from Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states into mining areas, warning that some could be introducing criminal activities under the guise of mining.
He stated, “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.”
The governor also alleged that some foreign nationals had infiltrated mining communities using false identities and urged traditional rulers and community leaders to support security agencies by profiling residents.
Adeleke directed every major mining community to establish a seven-member Community Security Committee within 14 days to work with traditional rulers, Divisional Police Officers and the State Security Council.
He further urged mining operators and residents to cooperate with the military, police, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Amotekun Corps by providing timely intelligence and granting security personnel access to mining sites.
NatureNews notes that illegal and poorly regulated mining areas can become hotspots for environmental degradation and organised crime, undermining ecosystem protection, community safety and sustainable mineral resource management.
NatureNews reports that integrating community intelligence with environmental governance could strengthen security in mining regions while supporting responsible and sustainable exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources.
