In a renewed move to restore sanity on the roads and bolster security within Nigeria’s capital city, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has destroyed a total of 601 commercial motorcycles impounded for violating traffic laws and operating in restricted areas. The action, carried out at the Area 1 roundabout in Garki, Abuja, is part of an ongoing enforcement of the 2023 regulations which outlaw commercial motorcycle operations in certain zones within the Federal Capital Territory.
Mandate Secretary for Transportation, Hon. Elechi Chinedum, who supervised the public crushing exercise, stated that the motorcycles had been seized over several months for contravening FCTA's transportation policies. According to him, the decision to destroy the bikes is not only to enforce the law but to send a strong warning to violators that the era of impunity is over.
“This enforcement is guided by the FCT Road Traffic Regulations of 2023, which clearly prohibit motorcycles in areas such as the city centre, high-security zones, and designated business districts. We are acting to protect lives, ease traffic flow, and stem the tide of insecurity worsened by the indiscriminate movement of unregistered and reckless okada riders,” Chinedum explained.
He further emphasized that the operations were preceded by repeated public warnings, stakeholder engagements, and sensitization campaigns aimed at educating operators on the risks and illegality of their actions. “This is not a punitive measure; it's a necessity. We've exhausted dialogue and now we must act decisively,” he added.
Director of the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), Dr. Abdulateef Bello, also addressed journalists at the event, noting that motorcycles have increasingly become tools for criminal activities including bag-snatching, armed robbery, and one-chance operations in the FCT. He stressed that the administration cannot fold its arms while residents live in fear.
“Many of these motorcycles were used in hit-and-run incidents, attacks, and getaway operations. Some had no registration numbers, and most of the riders had no license or formal identification. This poses a huge security risk. Our duty is to protect the people, and this is one of the steps in doing that,” Dr. Bello stated.
Security agencies were fully involved in the coordinated operation, which is expected to continue across other strategic locations in the FCT. Residents have been advised to comply with the city’s transportation laws and report suspicious activities involving motorcycle operators.
While some sympathizers have called for rehabilitation programs for out-of-job riders, the FCTA maintains that alternative means of transportation are available and safer for the city. The administration says it is open to working with private transport investors to create job opportunities that align with the city’s urban development plan.
As Abuja continues to evolve into a world-class capital, the FCTA insists that order, safety, and compliance with the law must not be negotiable.
Would you like this formatted with accompanying images or captions for print layout?