The Kogi Government has announced fresh security measures in parts of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, including the immediate suspension of commercial motorcycle operations in designated areas of Bunu District.
Mr Kingsley Fanwo, Commissioner for Information, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Lokoja.
Fanwo said the measures followed a review of ongoing security operations in Bunu after the recent attack on Iluke community, which was successfully repelled by security forces.
According to him, intelligence and operational reports indicate that joint security forces have recorded significant successes against the attackers.
He said several of the criminals had been neutralised, while others sustained injuries and were believed to be trapped in forest locations across the district as security clearance operations continued.
The commissioner said the government had approved an immediate ban on the use of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as okada, within designated hinterland corridors of Bunu District to cut off access to logistics and supplies used by criminal elements.
He listed the affected areas as 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.
Fanwo added that the restrictions would also cover the Ayede Bunu-Aherin-Eshi-Ighun Bunu corridor and other routes within the Bunu hinterlands.
He said intelligence reports had identified some motorcycle operators as channels for transporting food, water, drugs, fuel and other supplies to bandits hiding in forest areas.
“Investigations have also established that some criminal elements use motorcycles to conduct reconnaissance and gather intelligence on targeted communities before launching attacks,” he said.
The commissioner warned that any motorcycle rider found conveying passengers, goods or supplies along the affected routes would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the Kogi State Anti-Terrorism Law.
He directed the Motorcycle Operators Association of Nigeria (MOAN) to sensitise its members on the directive, which took effect on June 13.
Fanwo further announced the closure of all markets located along the affected corridors until further notice.
He also directed mobile medicine vendors and distributors to suspend the transportation and sale of drugs on motorcycles within the affected areas for the duration of the operation.
As part of efforts to further disrupt the activities of criminal elements, the commissioner said the government had prohibited the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, and Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) in jerricans across Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.
He also announced a statewide ban on night travel on all state-owned roads with immediate effect.
“Consequently, all movements on state roads must cease by 7:00 p.m. daily until further notice.
“Any person found travelling on a state-owned road after 7:00 p.m. shall be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he said.
Fanwo said the government possessed credible intelligence on individuals allegedly collaborating with criminal elements and providing support for their activities, adding that necessary actions were being taken against such persons.
He acknowledged that the measures might cause temporary inconvenience to residents but stressed that the protection of lives and communities remained the government’s top priority.
According to him, the restrictions will be reviewed every two weeks to assess their effectiveness and determine subsequent actions based on progress recorded by security agencies.
The commissioner said Gov. Ahmed Ododo had directed all security agencies to ensure strict enforcement of the measures and full compliance by residents.
He warned that anyone found aiding, supplying, harbouring or collaborating with terrorists would be treated as an accomplice and prosecuted in line with the law.
Fanwo urged residents to cooperate with security agencies, remain vigilant and continue to provide credible information to support ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.
(NAN)
