The Kogi State Government has announced sweeping security measures targeting criminal elements operating in parts of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, including a ban on commercial motorcycle operations in designated hinterland communities, the closure of markets, restrictions on fuel sales, and a statewide prohibition on night travel after 7:00 p.m.
The measures, which take immediate effect, were announced on Saturday in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo.
The government said the directives followed ongoing security operations in Bunu District after a recent terrorist attack on Iluke community that was “successfully repelled” by security forces.
According to the statement, intelligence and operational reports indicate that joint security forces have made significant gains against the attackers, with several of them neutralised and others sustaining injuries while remaining trapped in forested areas across the district.
Okada Ban Targets Supply Routes
To prevent the fleeing criminals from receiving supplies and logistical support, the government imposed an immediate ban on commercial motorcycle operations across several routes in Bunu District.
“The affected areas include the corridor stretching from Idoyi Bunu through Illah Bunu, Iluke Bunu and Kiri, as well as the route from Iluke Bunu through Odai Bunu, Igbo Bunu, Ilogun Bunu, Olle Bunu, Ayede Bunu, Oke-Ofin Bunu and Edumo Bunu. The restrictions shall also apply to the Ayede Bunu, Aherin, Eshi and Ighun Bunu corridor and all other routes within the Bunu hinterlands,” the statement said in part.
The government explained that security intelligence had identified motorcycle operators as a major channel through which food, water, drugs and other essential items were being transported to bandits hiding in forest locations.
Authorities also alleged that some criminal elements use motorcycles to gather intelligence on communities before launching attacks.
The state government warned that anyone violating the directive would face severe legal consequences under existing anti-terrorism laws.
“Consequently, any motorcycle rider found transporting passengers, goods or supplies along the designated routes shall be apprehended and dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Kogi State Anti-Terrorism Law,” the statement added.