Emmanuel ClementÂ
The Kogi State Government has announced a raft of stringent security measures, including a ban on commercial motorcycle operations in parts of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area and restrictions on night travel across the state, as part of efforts to combat banditry and other criminal activities.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, disclosed the measures in a statement issued on Saturday, saying they were designed to cut off supply routes and logistics channels used by criminal elements currently under pressure from ongoing military and security operations.
According to the government, the decision followed a review of security operations in Bunu District after a recent terrorist attack on Iluke community, which security forces successfully repelled.
Fanwo said intelligence reports indicate that several of the attackers were neutralised during the operation, while others sustained injuries and remain trapped in forest locations as security personnel continue clearance operations across the district.
To sustain the momentum of the offensive and prevent criminals from accessing essential supplies, the government approved the immediate suspension of commercial motorcycle activities along key routes in the Bunu hinterlands.
The affected areas include the Idoyi BunuâIllah BunuâIluke BunuâKiri corridor, as well as routes linking Iluke Bunu to Odai Bunu, Igbo Bunu, Ilogun Bunu, Olle Bunu, Ayede Bunu, Oke-Ofin Bunu and Edumo Bunu.
The restrictions also cover the Ayede Bunu, Aherin, Eshi and Ighun Bunu axis and other adjoining hinterland routes.
The Commissioner explained that intelligence gathered by security agencies revealed that motorcycles were frequently used to transport food, water, drugs and other supplies to bandits hiding in forest camps.
Some operators, he added, have also been implicated in providing intelligence and reconnaissance support to criminal groups before attacks on communities.
He warned that any motorcycle rider found conveying passengers, goods or supplies along the restricted routes would be arrested and prosecuted under the Kogi State Anti-Terrorism Law.
The government further directed the Motorcycle Operators Association of Nigeria (MOAN) to immediately sensitise its members on the directive, which took effect on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
As part of the security measures, markets located along the affected corridors have been ordered shut until further notice, while mobile medicine vendors have been instructed to halt the transportation and sale of drugs using motorcycles within the affected areas.
The State government also banned the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel) in jerry cans throughout Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, citing concerns that such products could be diverted to criminal elements.
In another major move, the government imposed a statewide ban on night travel on all state-owned roads. Under the directive, movement on such roads must cease by 7:00 p.m. daily until further notice.
Authorities warned that anyone found travelling on state roads after the stipulated time would face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the law.
The government stated that it possesses credible intelligence on individuals allegedly collaborating with criminal groups and assured residents that appropriate legal action was already being taken against such persons.
While acknowledging the temporary inconvenience the restrictions may cause residents, the government maintained that protecting lives and securing communities remain its foremost priority.
It added that the security measures would be reviewed every two weeks to assess their effectiveness and determine whether adjustments are necessary based on progress recorded by security agencies.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed all security agencies to ensure strict enforcement of the directives and warned that anyone found aiding, harbouring, supplying or collaborating with terrorists would be treated as an accomplice and prosecuted accordingly.
The government appealed to residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and continue providing useful information that could assist efforts to eliminate criminal activities and restore lasting peace across the state.