The Kogi State Government, on Saturday, announced a ban on night travels on all State roads after 7 p.m. as part of immediate security measures to further protect lives and property.

A statement by the State Information and Communications Commissioner, Kingsley Fanwo, said the measures were also aimed at cutting off logistics and supply routes to criminal elements currently under sustained military and security pressure in parts of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.

The statement made public in Lokoja reads, “Following a comprehensive review of ongoing security operations in Bunu District after the recent terrorist attack on Iluke community which was successfully repelled, intelligence and operational reports indicate that significant progress has been made by Joint Security Forces. Several of the attackers have been confirmed neutralised, while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently trapped within forested areas across the district as security clearance operations continue.

” To consolidate these gains and deny the criminals access to food, water, medication, fuel and other essential supplies, the Kogi State Government has approved the immediate ban on the use of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, within designated hinterland corridors of Bunu District.

” The affected areas include the corridor stretching from Idoyi Bunu through Illah Bunu, Iluke Bunu and Kiri, as well as the route from Iluke Bunu through Odai Bunu, Igbo Bunu, Ilogun Bunu, Olle Bunu, Ayede Bunu, Oke-Ofin Bunu and Edumo Bunu. The restrictions shall also apply to the Ayede Bunu, Aherin, Eshi and Ighun Bunu corridor and all other routes within the Bunu hinterlands.

“Intelligence available to security agencies has revealed that motorcycle operators constitute a major channel through which food items, water, drugs and other logistics are transported to bandits hiding within the forests. Investigations have also established that some criminal elements utilise motorcycle transportation to conduct reconnaissance and gather intelligence on targeted communities before launching attacks.

“Consequently, any motorcycle rider found transporting passengers, goods or supplies along the designated routes shall be apprehended and dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Kogi State Anti-Terrorism Law.

” The Motorcycle Operators Association of Nigeria (MOAN) is hereby directed to immediately sensitise all its members on this directive, which takes effect from today, Saturday, June 13, 2026.

” In addition, all markets located along the affected corridors shall remain closed until further notice. Mobile medicine vendors and distributors are also directed to suspend the transportation and sale of drugs on motorcycles within the affected areas for the duration of the operation.

The Ondo State Police Command has launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation following the abduction of a community leader, Mr. Adeniyi Adelana, the Baale of Ode Oriya Village in Owo Local Government Area of the state.

The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the incident, noting that a full-scale manhunt had been activated to ensure the safe rescue of the victim and the arrest of those responsible.

Preliminary reports indicate that at about 8:05 p.m., a group of about six armed men stormed the residence of the 60-year-old community leader under the cover of darkness.

The attackers reportedly invaded the compound and forcefully whisked him away through a nearby bush path to an unknown destination.

During the attack, the victim’s wife sustained a gunshot injury to her right hand. She was promptly rescued and taken to a medical facility, where she is currently receiving treatment and responding positively.

The police statement reads in full:
“The Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Oladipo Ohagwu, psc, mnips, mspsp, has launched a coordinated rescue operation following the abduction of a community leader by suspected kidnappers in Ode Oriya Village, Owo Local Government Area of the State.

“Preliminary reports indicate that at about 8:05 p.m. on the reported date, a group of approximately six armed men stormed the residence of Mr. Adeniyi Adelana, aged 60, the Baale of Ode Oriya Village. The assailants reportedly invaded the premises under the cover of darkness and forcefully whisked the victim away through a nearby bush path to an unknown destination.

“Upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), B Division, Owo, immediately mobilized a combined team of police operatives and other security personnel to the scene. The area was swiftly secured and a preliminary assessment of the crime scene conducted as part of ongoing investigative efforts.

“In the course of the attack, the victim’s wife sustained a gunshot injury to her right hand. She was promptly rescued and taken to a nearby medical facility, where she is currently receiving treatment and responding positively to medical care.

“A comprehensive search-and-rescue operation was immediately activated, with security operatives combing nearby forests, bush paths and suspected escape routes in a determined effort to track the movement of the kidnappers, secure the victim’s safe release and bring the perpetrators to justice. Tactical deployments have also been strengthened across the area and adjoining communities to enhance operational effectiveness.

“The Commissioner of Police has directed all tactical units, intelligence assets and operational teams of the Command to intensify efforts toward the swift rescue of the victim and the apprehension of those responsible for the criminal act. The Command remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring that the victim is reunited safely with his family while all those involved face the full weight of the law.

“The Ondo State Police Command urges members of the public to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear. Residents are encouraged to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that may aid ongoing operations. Any suspicious movements or activities should be promptly reported to the nearest police station or through established emergency channels.

“The Command reassures residents of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property and reiterates its determination to rid the State of criminal elements. Efforts are being intensified across all fronts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes, while ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Ondo State.

Suspected members of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on Saturday invaded Kautikari village of the Chibok Local Government Area in Borno State, setting primary and day secondary schools ablaze.

Recall that the village has recorded a series of deadly Boko Haram attacks in recent times.

Sources told our correspondent that the incident, which erupted at about 7 p.m. on Saturday, forced residents to flee the community into the bush for safety.

A security personnel, who hail from Kautikari but based in Maiduguri, confirmed the fresh attack.

However, he said, details of casualties are yet to be ascertained.

“Yes, I can confirm to you that our village (Kautikari) in the Chibok Local Government Area is under Boko Haram attack.

“Our people are scampering for safety, even as two schools (primary and day secondary school) are on fire,” he said.

Efforts to get confirmation from the police public relations officer, ASP Keneth Daso, proved abortive at press time. (Vanguard)