The Kogi State Government has announced a fresh set of security measures aimed at strengthening public safety and protecting lives and property, with stricter directives targeting criminal activities, unregistered vehicles and vulnerable communities across the state.
Under the new measures, the government ordered a total clampdown on all unregistered vehicles and motorcycles, warning that they will no longer be allowed to operate anywhere in the state as part of efforts to strengthen security surveillance and curb criminal activities.
The new directives, announced on Thursday by the Kogi State Ministry of Information and Communications, also provide for the demolition of buildings used as hideouts for criminal activities, while owners of such properties will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
As part of the security protocols, churches and mosques have been urged to strengthen security around their worship centres by working closely with security agencies. Religious gatherings in vulnerable locations have also been suspended until further notice as a precaution against possible security threats.
The government further announced that the ban on commercial motorcycle (okada) operations in the Bunu hinterlands remains in force, while markets in the affected areas will remain closed until further notice.
Landlords were warned against harbouring criminals, with the government stating that anyone found providing shelter to criminal elements would be treated as an accomplice and prosecuted in line with the law.
Hotel operators were also directed to maintain complete and verifiable records of all guests and install functional closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to improve security surveillance and support law enforcement investigations where necessary.
The government appealed to residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious activities, stressing that timely information from members of the public could help prevent crime and save lives.
It also urged citizens to embrace the slogan, “When you see something, say something,” as part of a collective effort to strengthen security and combat criminality across the state.