Kogi shuts filling station over fuel supply to bandits

The Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area in Kogi State, Hon. Zacchaeus Dare Michael, has ordered the closure of a NIPCO filling station in Kabba over alleged involvement in supplying fuel to bandits operating in nearby forest areas.

The shutdown, carried out alongside operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), followed routine intelligence monitoring that led to the impoundment of a truck fitted with a large storage tank.

According to the council, investigations showed that the vehicle frequently purchased unusually large quantities of petrol before heading toward suspected criminal hideouts in the Kiri Forest area and routes leading to Niger State.

The chairman said the station violated an existing ban on selling fuel in jerrycans, drums, and oversized tanks—a measure aimed at cutting off logistics support to criminal groups.

He warned that anyone aiding criminal activities would face serious consequences.

The truck, its occupants, and the seized fuel are currently in custody as investigations continue.

However, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Kogi West chapter, dismissed the allegation as false.

Its chairman, Elder Mike Segun Toluhi, defended the NIPCO station, insisting it had never supplied fuel to criminal elements and that the accusations were “malicious” and unfounded.

He noted that the station had no special relationship with the impounded truck beyond normal commercial dealings.

Efforts to get comments from the Kogi State Police Command were unsuccessful, as spokesperson CSP William Aya did not respond to calls or messages at press time.