NIGERIA: Kogi Bans Okada Operations, Night Travel And Fuel Sales In Jerricans To Curb Banditry

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The Kogi State Government has announced stringent security measures across parts of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area and the entire state to cut off logistics and supply lines to bandits following the recent attack on Iluke community.

In a press release issued on Saturday, the government banned the operation of commercial motorcycles (Okada) in the Bunu hinterlands, closed markets along affected corridors, prohibited the sale of fuel in jerricans across Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, and imposed a statewide ban on night travel on state roads after 7:00 p.m.

The measures, which take immediate effect, target specific corridors in the Bunu District including routes from Idoyi Bunu through Illah Bunu, Iluke Bunu, Kiri, Odai Bunu, Igbo Bunu, Ilogun Bunu, Olle Bunu, Ayede Bunu, Oke-Ofin Bunu, Edumo Bunu, and other hinterland routes.

According to the government, intelligence reports revealed that motorcycle operators have been used to ferry food, water, drugs, and other supplies to bandits hiding in the forests. Some riders are also suspected of conducting reconnaissance for attacks. The restrictions aim to deny criminals essential supplies as joint security forces continue clearance operations in the area, where several attackers were neutralized and others injured.

The government directed the Motorcycle Operators Association of Nigeria (MOAN) to sensitise its members on the ban. Mobile medicine vendors have also been barred from transporting and selling drugs on motorcycles in the affected areas. All markets along the designated corridors are to remain closed until further notice.

Additionally, the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) and Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) in jerricans is now prohibited throughout Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.

To prevent criminals from operating under the cover of darkness, night travel on all state-owned roads has been banned from 7:00 p.m. daily until further notice. Any person found on state roads after this time will be arrested and prosecuted.

The government warned that anyone found aiding, harbouring, or collaborating with terrorists will be treated as an accomplice and prosecuted under anti-terrorism laws. It acknowledged the temporary hardship the measures may cause law-abiding citizens but stressed that protecting lives remains paramount.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed all security agencies to strictly enforce the directives. The government said the restrictions will be reviewed every two weeks based on the progress of ongoing security operations.

The measures were announced by the Hon. Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo.