Insecurity: FCT may ban okada, keke operations in Abuja city centre — Wike

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has revealed that the FCT Administration is contemplating a ban on commercial motorcycles, commonly known as 'Okada,' and tricycles, or 'Keke Napep,' in certain areas of Abuja. This consideration arises from escalating security concerns, with intelligence reports suggesting a link between these modes of transport and criminal activities.

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From our security reports, bandits, when they don’t act, they use motorcycles.

Wike stated that the decision follows recommendations from the FCT Security Council, which convened after receiving intelligence that implicated motorcycles in criminal operations. He indicated that measures to enhance security logistics have been approved, and security agencies have been directed to identify specific zones where the operations of Okada and Keke Napep should be prohibited. "From our security reports, bandits, when they don’t act, they use motorcycles," Wike explained during a monthly media chat.

However, the minister acknowledged that a complete, city-wide ban across the Federal Capital Territory would be challenging to implement due to the sheer size of Abuja and the significant transportation needs of its residents. Instead, the focus is on prohibiting their operation within the city center and other identified high-risk areas. "I’ve told the security agencies 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. But particularly, it is necessary within the city not to allow Keke Napep and the Okada," he said.

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I’ve told the security agencies 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. But particularly, it is necessary within the city not to allow Keke Napep and the Okada.

In addition to the potential transport ban, Wike also addressed the persistent issue of beggars in the capital. He noted that efforts to remove them have yielded only temporary results, as many return shortly after being evacuated. Wike attributed this challenge partly to Abuja's central location, bordered by several states, which makes it difficult to prevent people from migrating into the city. "You know Abuja is in the centre, surrounded by four states. So, it’s a big problem, but we’ll do the best we can," he added.

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You know Abuja is in the centre, surrounded by four states. So, it’s a big problem, but we’ll do the best we can.