… as sixteen kidnap victims rescued and Bandits’ camp overrun
The Kogi State Government, has announced the temporary closure of selected markets and motor parks across parts of Kogi West Senatorial District, as part of intensified and coordinated security operations aimed at flushing out terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements operating within the state.
The announcement was made in a press statement issued on Sunday, February 8, 2026, by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, who said the measure is in support of ongoing clearance operations being carried out in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and heads of security agencies in Kogi State.
According to the statement, the temporary closure which takes effect immediately, is intended to cut off logistics, restrict the movement of consumables, and deny criminal elements and their informants access to food supplies and other forms of support during the security exercise.
The directive affects selected communities across six Local Government Areas of the state.
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In Lokoja Local Government Area, the affected locations include Oshokoshoko Market and Motor Park, as well as Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee, and Budon, where markets and motor parks will remain closed for the duration of the operation.
In Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, the temporary closure applies to markets and motor parks in Ike Bunu, Aba Marian (Isado), Ofere, Abaa Dola (Ihale Bunu), Aiyede, Oke Offin, Aiyegunle Bunu, Okebukun, Odo Ape Bunu, Agbadu Bunu, and Agbede Apa Bunu.
For Yagba West Local Government Area, affected communities include Okoloke, Isanlu Esa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara, and Oke Ere, where markets and motor parks have also been shut temporarily.
In Yagba East Local Government Area, the closure covers Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe, and Ilafin, with all markets and motor parks remaining closed throughout the period of the security operations.
The directive further affects parts of Kogi Local Government Area, including the Rice Market at Adingere, Koton Karfe, Okpareke, Girinya, the Okro Market at Opanda, and the Perishable Market at Edeha.
In Mopamuro Local Government Area, markets and motor parks in Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, Takete Ide Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo, and Ijagbe are also included in the temporary shutdown.
The State Government emphasised that the action is strictly temporary and will be lifted immediately after the successful conclusion of the security operations.
Meanwhile, the ongoing operations have already recorded major breakthroughs, with sixteen (16) kidnapped victims successfully rescued from the camp of a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Battijo, located within the Tunga Forest. The bandits’ camp has been overrun and taken over by security forces, while intensive clearance operations continue across affected areas.
Reaffirming the administration’s position, the government reiterated its firm resolve not to negotiate with bandits or pay ransom under any circumstance, stressing that criminal elements will continue to be decisively confronted.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, and all heads of security agencies at both national and state levels for their unwavering support and the successes recorded so far.
While acknowledging the inconvenience the temporary closure may pose to traders and residents of the affected communities, the government noted that the measure is necessary to restore peace, enhance public safety, and minimize collateral damage, as movements within the affected areas will be closely monitored and scrutinized.
The Governor has directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd.), to work closely with all security agencies to ensure strict compliance with the directive. Local Government Chairmen have also been instructed to monitor compliance within their jurisdictions and provide regular situation reports, while the Ministry of Information and Communications has been tasked with intensifying grassroots sensitization.
The Kogi State Government appealed to residents for understanding, cooperation, and support, assuring that the measures are being implemented in the collective interest of lasting peace and security across the state.
