Manny Ita –
The Kogi State Government has ordered the immediate closure of major markets and motor parks in seven Local Government Areas as part of what it described as a preemptive security operation aimed at disrupting terrorist activities along the state’s boundary with Kwara.
The directive, announced on Monday, affects commercial hubs and transport terminals in LGAs located close to the Kwara border, which security agencies have identified as vulnerable to infiltration by armed groups. Government officials said the decision was taken following security intelligence indicating that markets and motor parks were being used to sustain and move supplies to criminal elements operating in forested border communities.
In a statement, the state government said the closures were intended to “choke off” supply lines and deny terrorists access to food, fuel and logistics, adding that the measure was necessary to protect lives and prevent the spread of insecurity into urban centres.
Residents and traders in the affected areas were advised to cooperate with security agencies, while assurances were given that the action was temporary and would be reviewed based on improvements in the security situation. The government said essential services would continue under monitored arrangements to minimise hardship.
Security deployments were reinforced across the affected LGAs as the closures took effect, with joint patrols involving the military, police and other agencies mandated to enforce compliance and intensify surveillance along border routes.
