The Kogi State Government has announced sweeping security measures in parts of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area and across the state as authorities intensify efforts to cut off supply routes to bandits and other criminal elements operating in the region.
The measures, announced on Saturday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, include a ban on commercial motorcycle operations in designated Bunu hinterlands, the closure of markets along affected corridors, restrictions on fuel sales in jerricans, and a statewide prohibition on night travel on state-owned roads after 7:00 p.m.
The government said the directives followed a review of ongoing security operations in Bunu District after a recent attack on Iluke community, which was successfully repelled by security forces.
According to the government, joint security operations have recorded significant successes, with several attackers neutralised and others injured and trapped in forested areas where clearance operations are ongoing.
To prevent the fleeing criminals from accessing food, water, medication, fuel and other supplies, the government imposed an immediate ban on commercial motorcycles, popularly known as okada, along key routes within the Bunu hinterlands.
The affected areas include the Idoyi Bunu–Illah Bunu–Iluke Bunu–Kiri corridor, as well as routes linking Iluke Bunu, Odai Bunu, Igbo Bunu, Ilogun Bunu, Olle Bunu, Ayede Bunu, Oke-Ofin Bunu and Edumo Bunu. The restrictions also cover the Ayede Bunu, Aherin, Eshi and Ighun Bunu axis and other surrounding hinterland routes.
The government said intelligence reports indicated that motorcycle operators have been used to transport food, water, drugs and other logistics to bandits hiding in forests. It also alleged that some criminal elements use motorcycles to gather intelligence on communities before carrying out attacks.
It warned that any rider found transporting passengers, goods or supplies within the restricted corridors would be arrested and prosecuted under the Kogi State Anti-Terrorism Law.
The Motorcycle Operators Association of Nigeria (MOAN) was directed to immediately sensitise its members on the new directive, which took effect on Saturday.
As part of the operation, all markets located within the affected corridors have been shut indefinitely, while mobile medicine vendors and distributors have been ordered to suspend the transportation and sale of drugs on motorcycles in the affected areas.
The government also announced an immediate ban on the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel) in jerricans throughout Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.
In a separate statewide measure, the government prohibited night travel on all state-owned roads across Kogi State, directing that all movements on such roads must cease by 7:00 p.m. daily until further notice.
It warned that anyone found travelling on state-owned roads after the stipulated time would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The government said it possesses credible intelligence on individuals allegedly collaborating with criminal groups and assured residents that action was being taken against such persons.
While acknowledging that the restrictions may cause temporary inconvenience, the state government said the measures were necessary to protect lives and communities and to support ongoing security operations.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed security agencies to ensure strict enforcement of the directives, the statement added.
The government said the restrictions would be reviewed every two weeks based on progress recorded by security agencies in ongoing operations.
