The Kogi State Government has ordered the temporary closure of selected markets and motor parks across parts of Kogi West Senatorial District as security agencies intensify operations against bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements operating in the area.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, who said the move is part of coordinated clearance operations involving the Office of the National Security Adviser and security chiefs in the state.

Fanwo explained that the closures are aimed at disrupting supply lines and restricting the movement of goods and persons suspected to be aiding criminal groups.

According to him, the measure is designed to deny criminals and their collaborators access to food, logistics and other support systems during the ongoing operations.

He listed Lokoja Local Government Area as one of the affected areas, naming Oshokoshoko Market and Motor Park, Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee and Budon among locations where trading activities and motor park operations have been suspended.

In Kabba-Bunu LGA, markets and motor parks affected include those 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.

Also affected in Yagba West LGA are Okoloke, Isanlu Esa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara and Oke Ere.

In Yagba East LGA, the shutdown covers Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe and Ilafin communities.

Other locations listed include parts of Kogi LGA such as the Rice Market in Adingere, Koton Karfe, Okpareke and Girinya, as well as Okro Market in Opanda and the Perishable Market in Edeha.

In Mopamuro LGA, Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, Takete Ide Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo and Ijagbe are affected, while Ayegunle Gbedde, Iyah Gbedde, Ayetoro Gbedde, Ayeh Gbedde, Iluhagba, Odokoro and Okoro markets are shut in Ijumu LGA.

The commissioner stressed that the closures are temporary and will be lifted once the security exercise is concluded.

The government said the action follows heightened security concerns in parts of Kogi and neighbouring north-central states.

The Kogi State Police Command had earlier disclosed that eight suspects were arrested during recent bush-combing operations across the state, with some believed to be informants for kidnapping syndicates.