The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has undertaken a decisive move in the fight against rising insecurity, crushing 639 impounded commercial motorcycles, commonly known as “Okada” in Abuja. Dr Abdulateef Bello, the Director of the Directorate of Road Traffic Services at FCTA, addressed journalists after the operation.
The motorcycles were impounded for violating regulations by operating in restricted areas within the territory. Dr Bello explained that the impounded motorcycles were predominantly used for criminal activities such as one-chance robberies, bag snatching, mobile phone theft, drug peddling, and various dangerous crimes in the Federal Capital City.
“In the past, the motorcycles were causing traffic gridlock, but currently, it has changed to other crimes,” stated Dr Bello. He emphasized that the crushing serves as a deterrent to those who persist in operating despite the ban imposed since 2006.
“We have discovered that these motorcycles are now causing security threats to the lives and property of residents of the FCT. Most of the motorcycles are used in promoting criminal activities,” Dr Bello added.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Haruna Garba, represented by Mode Magawata, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Operations, highlighted the exercise as a crucial strategy to eliminate criminal elements in the city. He emphasized that the locations where the motorcycles were apprehended were within the metropolitan area, underscoring the importance of maintaining security in the seat of power.
“There is no way we can fold our hands and allow criminality to take over the Federal Capital Territory. All measures have been provided for us, and we must enforce the ban,” stated Commissioner Garba.
Hussain Pama, the Deputy Commander of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, collaborated on the significance of the operation, attributing motorcycles as key contributors to criminal activities in the city.
“The okada will bring them; then they will hide and operate in the night. Without okada, how will they come into the city at midnight? Motorcycles are the main facilitators of crime in the city,” Pama stated.
The crushing of impounded motorcycles aligns with the ongoing efforts to enhance security and protect the well-being of residents in the Federal Capital Territory.
