The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved fresh restrictions on the operations of commercial motorcycles (Okada) and tricycles (Keke Napep) in selected parts of Abuja as part of efforts to strengthen security across the nation’s capital.
Wike announced the decision on Tuesday during his monthly media briefing in Abuja, explaining that the move followed recommendations made by the FCT Executive Security Council after reviewing security developments in the territory.
According to the minister, intelligence reports indicated that motorcycles are frequently used by bandits and other criminal elements, making it necessary to restrict their movement in vulnerable areas.
“Just this morning, I signed the approval because we had an Executive Security Council meeting where we have agreed, not just causing a nuisance, but for the issue of security. It has become a threat,” Wike said.
“From our security report — bandits — they don’t act without using motorcycles. So it’s a problem,” he added.
He explained that the security council had been directed to identify locations where the operation of commercial motorcycles and tricycles would no longer be allowed, especially within the city centre.
“I have told the security council to map out areas where we do not need the Keke Napep and the motorcycle. But it will be difficult for you to ban them in the entire Abuja,” he said.
“Particularly, it is necessary within the city not to allow Keke Napep and the Okada. So they are working that out,” Wike stated.
The minister disclosed that he had also approved the release of logistics required by security agencies to enforce the new restrictions once the affected locations are finalised.
The FCT administration has repeatedly expressed concerns over the role of commercial motorcycles and tricycles in security breaches and traffic management. Similar restrictions are already in place in several states, including Lagos, where Okada and Keke operations are prohibited on major highways, bridges and designated routes, while Rivers State has also introduced limitations in some areas.
Speaking further, Wike expressed concern over the growing number of beggars and homeless persons on the streets of Abuja, saying previous efforts to evacuate them had produced only temporary results.
“Each time we take them out, they’re coming again. Each time you take them out, they’re coming again,” he said.
He noted that many of those on the streets migrate from neighbouring states, adding that it would be unsustainable for the FCT Administration to continue providing accommodation and food for them.
Rather than maintaining them in Abuja, Wike said the administration would intensify efforts to return them to their states of origin.
“In the next one month… I know Abuja is in the centre, bounded by four states. So it’s a big problem, but we’ll do the best we can,” he said.
