Kogi State Government has announced sweeping new security measures, including a ban on commercial motorcycle operations in parts of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, a statewide restriction on night travel after 7:00 p.m., closure of markets in affected communities, and a prohibition on fuel sales in jerrycans, in a bid to disrupt logistics networks of criminal elements.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the government said the directives followed a comprehensive security review of ongoing operations in the Bunu District after a recent attack on Iluke community, which was repelled by joint security forces.
According to the statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, intelligence reports indicated that several attackers had been neutralised, while others sustained injuries and were reportedly trapped within forested areas as clearance operations continue.
The government said the new restrictions were designed to consolidate gains made by security agencies and cut off access to essential supplies such as food, water, drugs, and fuel to criminal groups operating within forested corridors.
As part of the measures, the use of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as okada, has been immediately banned across designated hinterland routes in Bunu District.
The affected corridors include Idoyi Bunu through Illah Bunu, Iluke Bunu and Kiri, as well as Iluke Bunu through Odai Bunu, Igbo Bunu, Ilogun Bunu, Olle Bunu, Ayede Bunu, Oke-Ofin Bunu and Edumo Bunu, among others.
The government alleged that intelligence reports showed motorcycles were being used to transport supplies to armed groups and also for reconnaissance ahead of attacks on communities.
It warned that any rider found violating the directive would be arrested and prosecuted under the Kogi State Anti-Terrorism Law.
The Motorcycle Operators Association of Nigeria (MOAN) has been directed to sensitise its members immediately, as the ban takes effect from Saturday, June 13, 2026.
In addition, all markets within the affected areas have been ordered shut until further notice, while mobile medicine vendors have been barred from transporting or selling drugs via motorcycles in the operational zones.
The government also announced a statewide restriction on the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) and Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) in jerrycans within Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.
Furthermore, it imposed a ban on night travel on all state-owned roads across Kogi State, directing that all movement must end by 7:00 p.m. daily.
Security agencies were ordered to arrest and prosecute violators of the curfew-like restriction.
The statement further warned that individuals found collaborating with criminal groups would face prosecution, noting that intelligence has identified persons allegedly aiding and supplying bandits.
While acknowledging possible inconveniences, the government said the measures were necessary to protect lives and restore lasting peace, adding that the security situation would be reviewed every two weeks based on progress made by security forces.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed full enforcement of the measures, with security agencies tasked to ensure strict compliance across affected areas.
Residents were urged to cooperate with authorities, remain vigilant, and provide credible intelligence to support ongoing operations aimed at flushing out criminal elements from the state.
