By Daily Review Online
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced plans to restrict the operations of commercial motorcycles (Okada) and tricycles (Keke Napep) in parts of Abuja, citing growing security concerns.
Speaking during his monthly media briefing on Tuesday, Wike said the proposed restrictions followed recommendations by the FCT Security Council after intelligence reports linked the use of motorcycles to criminal activities.
He disclosed that he had approved additional logistics for security agencies and directed them to identify areas where the operations of Okada and Keke Napep should be prohibited.
According to the minister, while a total ban across the Federal Capital Territory would be difficult because of Abuja’s size and transportation needs, restricting their operations within the city centre had become necessary.
Wike said intelligence reports indicated that criminals and bandits often relied on motorcycles to carry out their activities, making the vehicles a growing security threat in the nation’s capital.
The minister also addressed the recurring challenge of street begging in Abuja, noting that previous efforts to remove beggars from the streets had yielded only temporary results, as many returned shortly after being evacuated.
He explained that providing shelter and food for the beggars was not sustainable, warning that such measures could attract more people from neighbouring states, including Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger and Kaduna, to the FCT.
Wike added that the FCT Administration would continue working closely with security agencies to strengthen security and maintain law and order across Abuja.