Nigeria’s northern state imposes 24-hour curfew over insecurity

LAGOS, Nigeria

Authorities in Nigeria’s Kwara State on Wednesday imposed a 24-hour curfew on the Oro-Ago district of Ifelodun Local Government Area following intensified military operations targeting suspected bandits hiding in surrounding forests.

The curfew took effect at 6.00 am in the morning, according to a statement issued by the local government council chairman, Femi Yusuf, and signed by his press secretary, Abdulquadri Jimba.

The measure is part of a coordinated security strategy aimed at supporting ongoing clearance operations by security agencies and disrupting the activities of suspected terrorists operating within and around the district, the statement read.

During the curfew, all human and vehicular movement in Oro-Ago are strictly prohibited to allow security personnel unrestricted access to conduct their operations.

Femi Yusuf urged residents to fully cooperate with security agencies by complying with the curfew, stressing that the measure is temporary and necessary to protect lives and property.

He added that the local government is working closely with security forces to restore normalcy as quickly as possible, and assured residents they would be kept informed of any changes or adjustments to the curfew as the situation evolves.

Kwara State, particularly communities bordering forest belts, has in recent months faced growing security challenges linked to banditry, kidnapping, and the movement of armed groups fleeing military pressure in neighbouring states in Nigeria’s northwest and north-central regions.

Forested areas around Ifelodun have increasingly been identified by security agencies as hideouts for criminal elements exploiting the difficult terrain.