Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has authorized a crackdown on commercial motorcycles in Abuja. Last week, Wike issued a directive to remove commercial motorcyclists and Keke NAPEP operators from the city’s roads.
Under the orders of Minister Wike, the Joint Task Force of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) undertook a forceful operation resulting in the impoundment and subsequent destruction of over 500 commercial motorcycles on Thursday. The operation, conducted under tight security, unfolded as the bulldozer mercilessly crushed the motorcycles, leaving them unrecognizable. The owners of the motorcycles were left helpless, witnessing the destruction of their livelihoods.
The sweep targeted strategic locations frequently used by motorcycle operators, including Kpaduma II, Asokoro Extension, Galadimawa near Primary School, Gudu market, Kabusa junction, and Apo mechanic. The show of force was deemed necessary by the Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, Garba Haruna, who asserted that the ban on motorcycles remained in full effect since 2006.
Commissioner Haruna stated, “The crushing of these motorcycles sends a clear message that the city center is off-limits for their operations. Designated suburban areas are allocated for their activities, and this action aims to deter those who flout the regulations.”
Dr. Abdulateef Bello, Director of the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), revealed that Minister Wike had ordered the directorate to intensify efforts in removing commercial motorcyclists and Keke NAPEP operators from Abuja’s roads. Despite previous attempts to enforce the ban on motorcycles within the city since its initiation in 2006, operators continued to return to the roads.
Dr. Bello emphasized the administration’s commitment to eradicating these unauthorized activities, declaring a zero-tolerance stance. The administration aims to sustain these efforts under the new leadership to ensure the city’s tranquility and uphold the ban on commercial motorcycles in central Abuja.
