Sarah NEGEDU
Authorities of the Federal Capital Territory Administration on Tuesday, impounded over 120 commercial motorcycles operating in restricted areas of the capital city.
The exercise, which targeted areas like the Area 3 junction, Asokoro, Mpape Junction, Area 1, Kubwa Road, and Kubwa, the administration said was aimed at restoring order and sanity in the federal capital city.
Deborah Osho, Head of Operation, Directorate of Road Transport Services, explained that the exercise was part of the ongoing efforts to clean up the city center and rid it of the menace of Okada operations.
“We were able to clean the city center and along the express way of the menace of okada and their activities, coming into the city centre, causing a lot of traffic and other vices that are violating the traffic rules.
“And we were able to take about 120 bikes today, by tomorrow, we will be on the road again, hunting for them, because as long as they’re adamant, we will also not be tired of going after them.
“We started with Area 3, went to Asokoro, Mpape Junction, ended with Area 1, and also visited Kubwa Road and Kubwa. We seized about 120 bikes today,” she said.
Osho emphasized that the operation would be a continuous process, as the authorities would not relent until the akada operators comply with the rules.
She stressed that the seizure of 120 motorcycles does not only send a strong message to okada operators who flout the law, but also assures residents of the FCT of a safer and more orderly city center.
“As long as they continue violating the traffic rules, we will continue to seize their bikes. If we get approval for crushing, we will approach the court for an order of forfeiture, and once the order comes, we crush,” she warned.
On his part, the Secretary, FCTA Security Departments Command and Control Center, Peter Olujimi, noted that the clamp down on okada operations had led to a significant reduction in criminal activities, particularly at night.
“The FCT Commissioner of Police has reinstated that okada operators are not meant to operate in certain areas. As long as they disobey the law, they will face the music,” he said.
Olujimi emphasized that the operation was a joint effort involving all relevant security agencies, including the Nigerian Police, Civil Defence, Department of State Service, NDLEA, Immigration Services, and Correctional Services.
“We are working in good synergy, and that’s why we are recording success,” he said.
The FCT Minister has been intensifying efforts to restore order and sanity in the city center, and the latest exercise is part of that effort, he said.
He warned that the authorities are determined to ensure the security of lives and properties in the FCT, and the okada operators are advised to comply with the rules to avoid facing the consequences.
Olujimi assured that the operation will continue until the city is rid of the menace of okada operations, and the authorities are committed to ensuring that the security of lives and properties in the FCT is guaranteed.
