The Kogi State Government has ordered the temporary closure of selected markets and motor parks across parts of Kogi West Senatorial District to support ongoing security operations targeted at flushing out terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements in the state.

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

The government said the decision was taken after consultations with security agencies and in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser.

According to the statement, the temporary shutdown is aimed at disrupting the logistics of criminal networks, restricting the movement of consumables, and denying bandits and their informants access to food supplies and other support during the security operations.

The closure affects markets and motor parks in several local government areas, including Lokoja, Kabba-Bunu, Yagba West, Yagba East, Kogi, and Mopamuro, covering dozens of communities across the district.

The affected facilities will remain shut for the duration of the operations and will be reopened immediately after the exercise is concluded, the government said.

The state government disclosed that the operations are already yielding results, with 16 kidnapped victims rescued from the camp of a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Battijo, in the Tunga Forest.

While acknowledging the hardship the measure may cause residents and traders, the state government reaffirmed resolve not to negotiate with bandits or pay ransom, urging residents to cooperate with security agencies in the interest of lasting peace.