The Kogi State Government has announced sweeping security measures to choke off supply lines to bandits under heavy military pressure in the Bunu District of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.
The directives include an immediate ban on commercial motorcycles (Okada) in key hinterland corridors, closure of markets, prohibition of fuel sales in jerrycans, and a statewide ban on night travel on all state roads after 7:00 p.m.
The measures follow a recent terrorist attack on Iluke community that was successfully repelled by joint security forces. According to the government, several attackers were neutralized while others sustained injuries and remain trapped in forested areas as clearance operations continue.
"To consolidate these gains and deny the criminals access to food, water, medication, fuel and other essential supplies," the government has banned Okada operations in designated areas. Affected routes include the corridor from Idoyi Bunu through Illah Bunu, Iluke Bunu and Kiri; from Iluke Bunu through Odai Bunu, Igbo Bunu, Ilogun Bunu, Olle Bunu, Ayede Bunu, Oke-Ofin Bunu and Edumo Bunu; as well as the Ayede Bunu, Aherin, Eshi and Ighun Bunu corridor and all other routes within the Bunu hinterlands.
Intelligence reports indicate that motorcycle operators have been a major channel for transporting food items, water, drugs, and other logistics to bandits hiding in the forests. Some criminals reportedly use motorcycles for reconnaissance before attacks.
"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 said.
The Motorcycle Operators Association of Nigeria (MOAN) has been directed to immediately sensitize members on the directive, which takes effect from today, Saturday, June 13, 2026.
All markets along the affected corridors shall remain closed until further notice. Mobile medicine vendors and distributors must suspend transportation and sale of drugs on motorcycles in the areas.
The sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel) in jerrycans is prohibited across the entirety of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area with immediate effect.
To deny criminals the cover of darkness, the government has imposed a statewide ban on night travel. "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 government warned it possesses credible intelligence on individuals collaborating with criminals. "Appropriate actions are already being taken against such persons in line with extant laws."
While acknowledging temporary hardships for law-abiding citizens, the statement emphasized: "The protection of lives and communities remains paramount. Extraordinary security challenges often require difficult but necessary decisions, and these directives are designed solely to safeguard the people and secure lasting peace across the affected areas."
The security situation will be reviewed every two weeks. Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed all security agencies to ensure strict enforcement.
"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."
Residents are urged to cooperate with security agencies, remain vigilant, and provide credible information to support operations.
0 Comments