Lokoja, June 13, 2026 – The Kogi State Government has announced a series of stringent security measures, including a ban on commercial motorcycle operations in parts of Bunu District, restrictions on night travel across state-owned roads, closure of markets in affected areas, and a prohibition on the sale of fuel in jerricans within Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.
The measures, which take immediate effect, were unveiled on Saturday as part of efforts to cut 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 comprehensive review of security operations in Bunu District after the recent terrorist attack on Iluke community, which security forces successfully repelled.
The state said intelligence and operational reports indicate that several attackers were neutralized during the operation, while others sustained injuries and are believed to be hiding in forested areas within the district as security clearance operations continue.
To deny the criminals access to food, water, medication, fuel and other essential supplies, the government approved 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, as well as 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–Ighun Bunu corridor and other routes within the Bunu hinterlands.
The government said intelligence reports revealed that motorcycle operators have become a major channel through which food, water, drugs and other supplies are transported to bandits hiding in the forests. It also noted that some criminal elements use motorcycles to conduct reconnaissance and gather intelligence before attacking communities.
Consequently, authorities warned that any motorcycle rider found transporting passengers, goods or supplies along the designated routes would be apprehended and prosecuted under the Kogi State Anti-Terrorism Law.
The Motorcycle Operators Association of Nigeria (MOAN) has been directed to immediately sensitize its members on the new directive.
As part of the security measures, all markets located along the affected corridors have been ordered shut until further notice, while mobile medicine vendors and distributors have been directed to suspend the transportation and sale of drugs on motorcycles within the affected areas.
The government also announced an immediate ban on the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel) in jerricans throughout Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.
In a separate directive aimed at strengthening security statewide, the government imposed a ban on night travel on all state-owned roads across Kogi State. Under the directive, all movements on state roads must cease by 7:00 p.m. daily until further notice.
Authorities warned that anyone found travelling on state-owned roads after the stipulated time would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The government further disclosed that it possesses credible intelligence on individuals allegedly collaborating with criminal elements and supporting their activities, adding that appropriate legal action is being taken against such persons.
While acknowledging that the measures may cause temporary hardship for residents, the government maintained that the protection of lives and property remains its top priority. It assured citizens that the restrictions would be reviewed every two weeks based on the progress recorded by security agencies.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed all security agencies to ensure strict enforcement of the measures and full compliance by residents.
The government also warned that anyone found aiding, supplying, harbouring or collaborating with terrorists would be treated as an accomplice and prosecuted accordingly.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, on Saturday in Lokoja.
The government called on residents to cooperate with security agencies, remain vigilant and provide credible information that would assist ongoing efforts to eliminate criminal elements from the state.
