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 sent to News Point Nigeria 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.
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.
The Motorcycle Operators Association of Nigeria (MOAN) was directed to immediately sensitise its members on the new restrictions.
In addition to the motorcycle ban, the government said that all markets located along the affected corridors have been ordered shut until further notice.
Mobile medicine vendors and drug distributors were also instructed to suspend the transportation and sale of medicines on motorcycles within the affected communities for the duration of the security operation.
As part of efforts to further isolate criminal groups, the government announced a ban on the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, and Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel) in jerricans throughout Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.
Officials said the restriction was designed to prevent fuel supplies from reaching bandits operating in remote forest camps.
The government maintained that the measures were necessary to consolidate gains already recorded by security agencies and to deny criminal elements access to resources that could prolong their activities.
Beyond Kabba/Bunu, the government also announced a statewide restriction on movement along all state-owned roads after 7:00 p.m.
“As part of measures to strengthen security across the state and deny criminal elements the opportunity to operate under the cover of darkness, the Kogi State Government hereby announces a ban on night travel on all state-owned roads across Kogi State.
“Consequently, all movements on state roads must cease by 7:00 p.m. daily until further notice. Any person found travelling on a state-owned road after 7:00 p.m. shall be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the statement said.
The government disclosed that it possesses credible intelligence on individuals allegedly collaborating with criminal groups and assured residents that actions were already being taken against such persons.
While acknowledging that the directives may cause temporary inconvenience to residents and businesses, the state government said the protection of lives and communities remains its top priority.
“The Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has directed all security agencies to ensure strict enforcement of these measures and full compliance by all residents and stakeholders.
“The Government further warns that any individual found aiding, supplying, harbouring or collaborating with terrorists in any form shall be treated as an accomplice to terrorism and prosecuted accordingly,” it added.
On Wednesday, a deadly attack by suspected bandits on Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, left three people dead, including a vice principal and a six-year-old boy.
The incident, which occurred around 10 a.m., heightened security concerns in the community.
The Kogi State Police Command said the attackers, who arrived on about 40 motorcycles, stormed the area in large numbers with the suspected aim of kidnapping students and other residents.
According to the Command, the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division swiftly activated a joint security response after receiving distress calls from the area.