Authorities in Nigeria’s Kwara State have imposed a 24-hour curfew on the Oro-Ago district of Ifelodun Local Government Area, citing heightened insecurity and ongoing military operations against suspected bandits in nearby forested areas.
The curfew came into effect at 6:00 am on Wednesday, according to a statement issued by Ifelodun council chairperson Femi Yusuf and signed by his press secretary, Abdulquadri Jimba.
Officials said the measure is part of a broader security strategy to support clearance operations by security agencies and to disrupt the movement and activities of armed groups believed to be operating in and around the district.
Under the order, all human and vehicular movement in Oro-Ago is prohibited, allowing security forces unrestricted access to carry out their operations.
Yusuf urged residents to comply fully with the curfew, describing it as a temporary but necessary step to protect lives and property. He added that the local government is working closely with security agencies to restore normalcy as quickly as possible and promised to keep residents informed of any changes.
Kwara State, particularly communities located near forest belts, has faced rising security challenges in recent months, including banditry and kidnappings. Security officials say some armed groups have moved into the area while fleeing sustained military pressure in neighbouring states across Nigeria’s northwest and north-central regions.
Forested zones around Ifelodun have increasingly been identified by security forces as hideouts for criminal elements taking advantage of difficult terrain.