February 8, 2026 l Dalena Reporters
The Kogi State Government has announced the temporary closure of selected markets and motor parks across parts of the Kogi West Senatorial District as part of intensified security operations aimed at curbing the activities of terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements, regional officials confirmed on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
In a press statement released by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, authorities said the closures are intended to support ongoing clearance operations being conducted in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and heads of security agencies in the state. Under the directive, markets and motor parks in several local government areas including Lokoja, Kabba-Bunu, Yagba West, Yagba East, Kogi, Mopamuro and Ijumu have been shut until security conditions stabilise.
Fanwo explained that the temporary shutdown is designed to cut off logistics and supplies to criminal networks, restrict the movement of food and essential goods that could aid armed groups, and deny informants access to support during the security exercise. He added that the closures will be lifted once operations successfully conclude and normalcy returns.
The state government’s action comes amid heightened insecurity in parts of north-central Nigeria, where repeated kidnappings, raids and bandit attacks have disrupted daily life, strained local economies and raised public safety concerns. Residents and traders in affected communities have been advised to cooperate with law enforcement and stay updated on developments as security forces pursue criminals in the region.