The Kogi State Government has rolled out a series of stringent security measures targeting criminal activity in parts of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, including a ban on commercial motorcycle operations in selected rural communities, the closure of markets, restrictions on fuel sales, and a statewide prohibition on night travel after 7:00 p.m.
The directives, which took immediate effect, were announced on Saturday, June 13, in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo.
According to the government, the measures followed ongoing security operations in the Bunu District after a recent attack on Iluke community by suspected terrorists, which was reportedly repelled by security forces. The statement said intelligence reports indicated that joint security operatives had recorded significant progress, with several attackers neutralised and others injured, while some were believed to be trapped in surrounding forest areas.
To prevent the escape and resupply of the suspected criminals, the government imposed a ban on commercial motorcycle operations across several identified routes within the district, including corridors linking Idoyi Bunu, Illah Bunu, Iluke Bunu, Kiri, Odai Bunu, Igbo Bunu, Ilogun Bunu, Olle Bunu, Ayede Bunu, Oke-Ofin Bunu, Edumo Bunu, Aherin, Eshi and Ighun Bunu, among others.
The government said intelligence assessments showed that motorcycles were being used to supply food, water, drugs and other essentials to armed groups hiding in forest locations, as well as to gather information on vulnerable communities prior to attacks. It warned that anyone found violating the directive would face prosecution under the state’s anti-terrorism law.
“All motorcycle operators found transporting passengers, goods or supplies along the restricted routes shall be arrested and prosecuted,” the statement warned, directing the Motorcycle Operators Association of Nigeria to sensitise its members on the new rules.
In addition, all markets within the affected corridors were ordered shut until further notice, while mobile drug vendors were barred from transporting or selling medicines using motorcycles in the impacted areas during the ongoing security operations.
The government also announced a ban on the sale of petrol and diesel in jerrycans across Kabba/Bunu LGA, saying the move was intended to cut off fuel supplies to criminal groups operating from remote forest camps.
Beyond the local restrictions, the state government further introduced a statewide curfew on movement along all state-owned roads, restricting travel after 7:00 p.m. daily until further notice. Officials said the decision was aimed at denying criminals the cover of darkness to operate.
The statement added that anyone found travelling on state roads after the curfew time would be arrested and prosecuted, while warning that individuals aiding, harbouring or collaborating with armed groups would be treated as accomplices to terrorism.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo reportedly directed security agencies to enforce the measures strictly, noting that while the policies may cause temporary inconvenience, they were necessary to safeguard lives and restore security across affected communities.
The government also said it had credible intelligence on individuals allegedly collaborating with criminal elements and assured residents that appropriate action was already underway.
The measures follow a deadly attack on Government Secondary School in Iluke Bunu earlier in the week, in which three people, including a vice principal and a six-year-old boy, were killed. The assault, carried out by suspected bandits on motorcycles, heightened tensions in the area and prompted an intensified security response from police and other agencies.
