Key points
- Kogi State Government has introduced new security measures in parts of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.
- Commercial motorcycle operations have been suspended in several designated rural corridors in Bunu District.
- Markets, fuel sales in jerricans, and night travel have also been restricted in affected areas.
- Authorities say the measures are aimed at disrupting logistics networks used by armed groups.
- Restrictions will be reviewed every two weeks based on security outcomes.
Main Story
The Kogi State Government has announced fresh security measures in parts of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, including the immediate suspension of commercial motorcycle operations in designated areas of Bunu District.
Commissioner for Information, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Lokoja.
Fanwo said the decision followed a review of ongoing security operations in Bunu after the recent attack on Iluke community, which was repelled by security forces.
According to him, intelligence and operational reports show that joint security forces have recorded significant progress against the attackers, with several neutralised and others injured or trapped in forest areas during ongoing clearance operations.
The government said it has approved an immediate ban on commercial motorcycles, commonly known as okada, within selected hinterland corridors of Bunu District to cut off logistics and supply routes allegedly used by criminal groups.
The affected routes include corridors stretching from Idoyi Bunu through Illah Bunu, Iluke Bunu and Kiri, as well as routes from Iluke Bunu through Odai Bunu, Igbo Bunu, Ilogun Bunu, Olle Bunu, Ayede Bunu, Oke-Ofin Bunu and Edumo Bunu. Other restricted areas include the Ayede Bunu, Aherin, Eshi and Ighun Bunu corridor and surrounding routes within the hinterlands.
Fanwo said intelligence reports indicate that some motorcycle operators have been used to transport food, water, drugs, fuel and other supplies to armed groups hiding in forest locations. He also said motorcycles have been used for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering ahead of attacks on communities.
He warned that any rider found transporting passengers, goods or supplies along the affected routes would be arrested and prosecuted under the Kogi State Anti-Terrorism Law.
The commissioner directed the Motorcycle Operators Association of Nigeria to sensitise its members on the new directive, which took effect on June 13.
He also announced the closure of all markets along the affected corridors until further notice and ordered mobile medicine vendors to suspend the transport and sale of drugs using motorcycles within the affected areas.
As part of additional measures, the government banned the sale of Premium Motor Spirit and diesel in jerricans across Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.
Fanwo further announced a statewide restriction on night travel on all state-owned roads, stating that all movement must end by 7:00 p.m. daily until further notice.
He said anyone found travelling after the curfew hour would be arrested and prosecuted in line with the law.
The commissioner added that the government has credible intelligence on individuals allegedly collaborating with criminal elements and said enforcement actions were ongoing.
He acknowledged that the measures may cause temporary hardship for residents but said the protection of lives and communities remains the government’s priority.
According to him, the restrictions will be reviewed every two weeks to assess their effectiveness and determine next steps based on security progress.
He confirmed that Governor Ahmed Ododo has directed all security agencies to enforce the measures strictly and ensure compliance.
Fanwo warned that anyone found aiding, supplying or harbouring criminal groups would be treated as an accomplice and prosecuted accordingly.
He urged residents to cooperate with security agencies, remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to support ongoing operations.
The Issues
- Disruption to transportation and economic activity in affected rural communities.
- Risks of hardship for residents due to market closures and movement restrictions.
- Need to balance security enforcement with humanitarian and livelihood considerations.
What’s Being Said
- Mr Kingsley Fanwo said: “Investigations have also established that some criminal elements use motorcycles to conduct reconnaissance and gather intelligence on targeted communities before launching attacks.”
- He also said: “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 government stressed that the measures are necessary to dismantle support networks for armed groups operating in forested areas.
What’s Next
- Security agencies will continue clearance operations in forested areas of Bunu District.
- The government will review the restrictions every two weeks based on operational results.
- Enforcement of curfews, transport bans and market closures will continue until further notice.
Bottom Line
The Kogi State Government has rolled out strict security restrictions in Kabba/Bunu, including a ban on motorcycles in targeted corridors, market closures and a statewide night travel curfew, as part of intensified efforts to disrupt criminal networks and restore security in affected communities.
