Kogi government bans okada operations and night travel in Bunu district

The Kogi State Government has introduced a series of sweeping security measures aimed at criminal elements operating in parts of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, including a ban on commercial motorcycle operations in designated rural communities, market closures, restrictions on fuel sales, and a statewide prohibition on night travel after 7:00 pm.

The measures took effect immediately and were announced on Saturday, June 13, in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo.

The government said the directives followed ongoing security operations in Bunu District after a recent terrorist attack on Iluke community that was “successfully repelled” by security forces. According to the statement, intelligence and operational reports indicate that joint security forces have made significant gains against the attackers, with several neutralized and others injured while remaining trapped in forested areas across the district. To prevent fleeing criminals from receiving supplies and logistical support, the government imposed an immediate ban on commercial motorcycle operations across several routes in Bunu District.

“The affected areas include the corridor stretching from Idoyi Bunu through Illah Bunu, Iluke Bunu and Kiri, as well as the route from Iluke Bunu through Odai Bunu, Igbo Bunu, Ilogun Bunu, Olle Bunu, Ayede Bunu, Oke-Ofin Bunu and Edumo Bunu. The restrictions shall also apply to the Ayede Bunu, Aherin, Eshi and Ighun Bunu corridor and all other routes within the Bunu hinterlands,” the statement said in part.

The government explained that security intelligence had identified motorcycle operators as a major channel through which food, water, drugs, and other essential items were being transported to bandits hiding in forest locations. Authorities also alleged that some criminal elements use motorcycles to gather intelligence on communities before launching attacks. The state government warned that anyone violating the directive would face severe legal consequences under existing anti-terrorism laws.

“Consequently, any motorcycle rider found transporting passengers, goods or supplies along the designated routes shall be apprehended and dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Kogi State Anti-Terrorism Law,” the statement added. The Motorcycle Operators Association of Nigeria was directed to immediately sensitize its members on the new restrictions.

In addition to the motorcycle ban, the government said all markets located along the affected corridors have been ordered shut until further notice. Mobile medicine vendors and drug distributors were also instructed to suspend the transportation and sale of medicines on motorcycles within the affected communities for the duration of the security operation.

As part of efforts to further isolate criminal groups, the government announced a ban on the sale of petrol and diesel in jerricans throughout Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area. Officials said the restriction was designed to prevent fuel supplies from reaching bandits operating in remote forest camps.