In a startling turn of events, the tranquil streets of Abuja were shaken as a mandate from the Federal Capital Territory’s Minister, Nyesom Wike, led to the impoundment and subsequent destruction of over 500 commercial motorcycles by the Joint Task Force of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
This dramatic operation unfolded amidst heightened security, with owners of the seized motorcycles bearing witness to their vehicles being crushed beyond recognition by bulldozers. The relentless crackdown follows Wike’s directive from the previous week, which called for the removal of commercial motorcyclists and Keke NAPEP operators from Abuja’s roadways.
The orchestrated seizure took place across strategic locations commonly frequented by okada operators, such as Kpaduma II, Asokoro Extension, Galadimawa near Primary School, Gudu market, Kabusa junction, and Apo mechanic. The vigilantly executed search and destruction initiative underscored the administration’s determination to enforce the prohibition of motorcycles within the Federal Capital City, a restriction in effect since 2006.
In an act of symbolism preceding the crushing of impounded motorcycles in Area 1, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Garba Haruna, emphasized that this action serves as a resounding declaration that the ban on okada is unwavering. Haruna asserted, “FCT residents are well aware that motorcycles have been barred from entering the Federal Capital City for more than a decade. The obliteration of these motorcycles signals the inappropriateness of their operation in the city center. There are designated suburban areas for them to ply, and this exercise is aimed at teaching the defiant ones a lesson. Motorcycles are not to be seen within the city center.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Abdulateef Bello, Director of the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), unveiled that Minister Nyesom Wike issued a resolute directive to the directorate. The order was unequivocal: ensure the removal of commercial motorcyclists and Keke NAPEP operators from Abuja’s road network. Despite years of concerted efforts to sustain the ban on okada riders within the Abuja metropolis, initially enforced in 2006, these operators have repeatedly returned to the roads.
In a steadfast commitment to combat these illicit activities, the administration has expressed zero tolerance, vowing to uphold this endeavor under the new leadership. The latest crackdown serves as a vivid testament to the determination to uphold the integrity of Abuja’s urban landscape.
