How Mining Activities Induced Influx Of Suspected Terrorists In Osun

The influx of suspected terrorists who are ISWAP and Boko Haram members in Osun State has been attributed to the mining activities in Ilesa communities.

This was revealed by the state commandant of the Western Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, Dr. Adekunle Omoyele, during the News Point programme organised by the Osun NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel on Tuesday.

According to Omoyele, most of the foreigners used to drop from trucks and vehicles at the Ilesa expressway to take up menial jobs including gold mining.

But in response to the infiltration of the suspected terrorists, he said Amotekun has heightened security measures by implementing digital surveillance across the state and as well introduced a toll-free emergency number, 293, for residents to report emergencies or provide security-related tips as part of its efforts to enhance public safety

The Commandant also announced plans to recruit an additional 1,000 personnel to reinforce the existing 320 operatives currently deployed across the state.

“We realise that most of those foreigners use to drop from trucks and vehicles at Ilesa expressway to take up menial jobs including mining of gold. But we are on top of the situation, Osun residents should not panic because we are ahead of them.

“We are taking proactive measures to ensure the security of lives and property in Osun, and the recruitment drive will bolster our capacity to tackle emerging security challenges,” Omoyele stated.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting any suspicious activities through the designated emergency channels.

“Governor Ademola Adeleke had approved our proposal and the recruitment will start next month. This will help us to fight crime in the state especially with the invasion of ISWAP and Boko Haram. We are on red alert, criminal elements must stay away from our state.

He revealed that the outfit has deployed technology in tackling crimes and its tendencies in Osun State, saying, “We’re using digital surveillance technology to monitor the state. We urge resident to call 293 in case of emergency, it is toll free.”

OSUN DEFENDER