In a decisive move, the Joint Task Force of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) executed the impounding and crushing of no less than 500 commercial motorcycles on Thursday. This operation was carried out following the directive of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who had recently ordered the removal of commercial motorcyclists and Keke NAPEP operators from the roads of Abuja.
Reports from SaharaReporters reveal that the operation unfolded under strict security measures, as the owners of these motorcycles looked on helplessly while their vehicles were rendered unrecognizable by bulldozers. The confiscation took place during a thorough search of key locations utilized by motorcycle operators as their primary routes. These locations included Kpaduma II, Asokoro Extension, Galadimawa near Primary School, Gudu market, Kabusa junction, and Apo mechanic. All of these areas were meticulously scoured.
Before the crushed motorcycles were reduced to rubble in Area 1, the Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Garba Haruna, emphasized that this action served as a clear confirmation that the ban on motorcycles, commonly known as okada, was still in full force. He conveyed that the residents of the FCT were well aware that motorcycle entry into the Federal Capital City had been prohibited since 2006. The purpose behind crushing the motorcycles was to send a resounding message that the city center was off-limits for their operation.
In Commissioner Haruna’s words, “FCT residents are conscious of the ban imposed on motorcycles from accessing the Federal Capital City since 2006. The act of crushing these motorcycles serves as a strong signal that the heart of the city is not a suitable zone for their activities. There are designated suburban areas where they are allowed to operate. This exercise aims to educate those who refuse to comply. Motorcycles have no place in the city center.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Abdulateef Bello, the Director of the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), highlighted that Minister Nyesom Wike had issued a direct mandate to the directorate to eliminate commercial motorcyclists and Keke NAPEP operators from the roads of Abuja. Dr. Bello indicated that despite DRTS’s persistent efforts to enforce the ban on motorcycle riders within the Abuja metropolis since its inception in 2006, these operators continually returned to the roads.
He asserted that the administration had adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards such unlawful activities and was committed to maintaining these efforts under the new administration. This resolute stance was underscored by the recent impounding and crushing operation, serving as a clear reminder of the imperative to adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the authorities.
