Kogi State Bans Night Travel Amid Banditry Concerns

The Kogi State government has introduced new security measures, including a ban on night travel and restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations in parts of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, as part of renewed efforts to address banditry.

The measures were announced in a statement by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, following a review of ongoing security operations in Bunu District.

According to the government, the decision came after intelligence reports and security assessments following a recent attack on the Iluke community, which authorities said was successfully repelled by security forces.

The statement read: “Several of the attackers have been confirmed neutralised, while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently trapped within forested areas across the district as security clearance operations continue.”

To prevent the movement of supplies to criminals hiding in forests, the government approved “the immediate ban on the use of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, within designated hinterland corridors of Bunu District.”

The affected routes include communities stretching from Idoyi Bunu through Illah Bunu, Iluke Bunu and Kiri, as well as other major hinterland corridors across the district.

Authorities explained that intelligence reports showed some motorcycle operators were being used to transport food, water, drugs and other logistics to bandits.

The government also alleged that criminal elements sometimes use motorcycles to gather information on communities before carrying out attacks.

“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 government directed the Motorcycle Operators Association of Nigeria (MOAN) to immediately sensitise its members on the directive, which took effect on 13 June 2026.

In addition to the motorcycle restrictions, all markets located along the affected corridors have been ordered closed until further notice. Mobile medicine vendors have also been directed to suspend the transportation and sale of drugs on motorcycles within the affected areas.

The government further announced a ban on the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and diesel in jerry cans throughout Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.

As part of broader efforts to strengthen security across the state, the government also imposed a statewide restriction on night travel.

The statement said: “All movements on state roads must cease by 7 pm daily until further notice. Any person found travelling on a state‑owned road after 7 pm shall be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.”