The Kogi State Government has ordered the temporary closure of markets and motor parks in seven Local Government Areas of the state as part of measures to cripple the supply lines of terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements operating in the region.
The affected LGAs are located mainly in Kogi West and parts of Kogi Central, where security agencies are currently carrying out intensified clearance operations.
According to the state government, the move is aimed at restricting the movement of food items, fuel, logistics and other consumables that could aid criminal groups.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the decision was taken to support ongoing security operations and deny criminals the resources they rely on to sustain their activities.
He noted that intelligence reports had shown that markets and motor parks were being exploited as supply and coordination points by criminal elements and their informants.
Fanwo explained that the temporary shutdown would limit the movement of consumables and disrupt communication channels used by terrorists and bandits during active security engagements.
He stressed that the action was a tactical security measure and not intended to punish law-abiding citizens.
The state government assured residents that the closures would only last for the duration of the security operations and would be lifted once normalcy is restored.
It appealed to traders, transport operators and residents in the affected areas to cooperate with security agencies in the interest of peace and public safety.
While acknowledging the inconvenience the decision may cause, the government maintained that the protection of lives and property remains its top priority.
Security agencies have also been directed to ensure strict enforcement of the directive while maintaining professionalism and respect for human rights.
The development comes amid renewed efforts by state and federal authorities to tackle insecurity in parts of the North-Central region, where banditry and terror-related activities have continued to pose serious challenges to local communities.
