Kogi State Government has announced sweeping security measures in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, including a ban on commercial motorcycle operations in parts of Bunu District, closure of markets, restrictions on fuel sales, and a statewide prohibition on night travel on state-owned roads after 7 p.m.
The measures, announced on Saturday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, are aimed at cutting off supply routes to criminal elements currently under pressure from ongoing military and security operations in the area.
According to the government, the decision followed a review of security operations in Bunu District after the recent terrorist attack on Iluke community, which security forces successfully repelled.
Authorities said intelligence reports indicate that several attackers were neutralized while others sustained injuries and remain trapped in forested locations as security clearance operations continue.
To prevent the fleeing criminals from accessing food, water, fuel, medication and other essential supplies, the government imposed an immediate ban on the use of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, across designated hinterland corridors in Bunu District.
The affected routes include the Idoyi Bunu–Illah Bunu–Iluke Bunu–Kiri corridor and the Iluke Bunu–Odai Bunu–Igbo Bunu–Ilogun Bunu–Olle Bunu–Ayede Bunu–Oke-Ofin Bunu–Edumo Bunu axis. The restriction also covers the Ayede Bunu, Aherin, Eshi and Ighun Bunu corridor, as well as other hinterland routes within the district.
The government said intelligence gathered by security agencies revealed that motorcycles have become a major means of transporting food, water, drugs and other logistics to bandits hiding in forests. It also alleged that some criminal elements use motorcycles for reconnaissance missions before launching attacks on communities.
As a result, any motorcycle rider found conveying passengers, goods or supplies along the restricted routes will be arrested and prosecuted under the provisions of the Kogi State Anti-Terrorism Law.
The Motorcycle Operators Association of Nigeria (MOAN) was directed to immediately sensitise its members on the directive, which took effect on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
In addition, all markets located along the affected corridors have been ordered shut until further notice, while mobile medicine vendors and drug distributors have been directed to suspend the transportation and sale of medicines on motorcycles within the affected areas.
The government also prohibited the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel) in jerricans across the entire Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area with immediate effect.
As part of broader efforts to curb criminal activities across the state, the government announced a ban on night travel on all state-owned roads in Kogi State. Under the directive, all movements on state roads must cease by 7 p.m. daily until further notice, with violators liable to arrest and prosecution.
Fanwo stated that the government possesses credible intelligence regarding individuals allegedly collaborating with criminal groups and assured residents that necessary actions were already being taken against such persons in accordance with the law.
While acknowledging that the restrictions may cause temporary hardship for residents, the government said the measures were necessary to protect lives and communities from security threats.
The state government added that the security situation would be reviewed every two weeks to assess the effectiveness of the measures and determine the next course of action based on progress recorded by security agencies.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed all security agencies to ensure strict enforcement of the directives and full compliance by residents and stakeholders.
The government also warned that anyone found aiding, supplying, harbouring or collaborating with terrorists would be treated as an accomplice and prosecuted accordingly.
It called on residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and continue providing credible information to support efforts aimed at eliminating criminal elements from the state.
