The Kogi State Government has ordered the temporary closure of selected markets and motor parks across parts of the state as part of intensified security operations aimed at rooting out terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements.

The directive was announced on Sunday in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo.

According to the statement, the closure affects selected markets and motor parks in parts of the Kogi West Senatorial District and adjoining areas, as security agencies intensify coordinated clearance operations across the state.

Fanwo explained that the move was designed to disrupt criminal logistics by restricting movement and cutting off access to food supplies, consumables, and other forms of support allegedly used by terrorists and their informants.

He added that the operations were being carried out in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and heads of security agencies in the state.

“The temporary shutdown is intended to deny criminals freedom of movement and access to logistics during the security exercise,” Fanwo said.

The directive affects communities across seven local government areas.

In Lokoja Local Government Area, affected locations include Oshokoshoko Market and Motor Park, as well as markets and motor parks in Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee, and Budon.

In Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, the 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.

Affected communities in Yagba West Local Government Area include Okoloke, Isanlu Esa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara, and Oke Ere.

In Yagba East Local Government Area, markets and motor parks in Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe, and Ilafin have also been temporarily shut.

In Kogi Local Government Area, the directive covers the Rice Market at Adingere, Koton Karfe, Okpareke, and Girinya; the Okro Market at Opanda; and the Perishable Market at Edeha.

Markets and motor parks in Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, Takete Ide Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo, and Ijagbe in Mopamuro Local Government Area are also affected.

In Ijumu Local Government Area, markets scheduled to remain closed for the duration of the operations include Ayegunle Gbedde, Iyah Gbedde, Ayetoro Gbedde, Ayeh Gbedde, Iluhagba, Odokoro, and Okoro.

The state government stressed that the closures are strictly temporary and will be lifted immediately after the successful conclusion of the security exercise.

Kogi State has witnessed a resurgence of banditry in recent times. Last year, suspected criminals attempted to attack the Obajana operational base but were repelled by security operatives, leading to the arrest of several suspects.