The Kogi State Police Command has appealed to residents of communities affected by the temporary closure of markets and motor parks to comply fully with the directive, describing it as a necessary step to support ongoing security operations across the state.
The appeal was made in a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Afusat, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Kankarofi.
According to the statement, the closures are part of broader security measures approved by the Kogi State Government and implemented in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and other security agencies.
“In line with the executive directive on temporary security measures, the Commissioner of Police has urged residents of affected areas to cooperate fully, as enforcement will be closely monitored,” Afusat said.
She explained that the shutdown affects selected markets and motor parks in parts of Lokoja, Kabba-Bunu, Yagba West, Yagba East, Kogi, and Mopamuro Local Government Areas, particularly within Kogi West Senatorial District.
Residents were advised to plan their movements and commercial activities accordingly during the period of enforcement.
The police command acknowledged the inconvenience the measure may cause but stressed that public cooperation is essential to restoring peace and preventing criminal activities.
“The Commissioner of Police appreciates the patience and understanding of residents and reassures the people of Kogi State of the Command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property,” the statement added.
The police also encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and law-abiding, urging them to report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.
“Timely information from the public remains critical to successful security operations,” Afusat said.
The directive follows heightened security concerns in parts of Kogi State and the wider North-Central region.
In recent days, the police carried out coordinated bush-combing operations across several locations in the state, leading to the arrest of eight suspected criminals.
Police sources said some of the suspects are being interrogated over alleged involvement in criminal networks, including aiding kidnapping syndicates operating within the region.
The police command reiterated its resolve to sustain peace and called on residents to continue working with security agencies as operations continue.
