Authority of the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory Administration through the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), has reignited its massive crackdown on commercial motorcyclists otherwise known as Okada and tricycle operators defying traffic restrictions within the Federal Capital City.
During the operation, officials apprehended over 25 motorcycles, with the count expected to rise as the team moves toward other strategic restricted zones.
The enforcement led by Head of Traffic Management and Control, Engr Moses Anyebe, said the directorate through the FCT Joint Task Force (JTF) intensified its enforcement operations during the festive period to reclaim the city centre from what officials describe as “recalcitrant” operators.
“What we are doing right away is to see how we keep the Okada away from the city centre.
“They’ve been having their ways all through the city and taking possession of where their operation is not supposed to be. This is actually affecting traffic and causing mayhem,” Anyebe stated.
Anyebe noted that while these operators are permitted to provide “last mile” services in designated suburbs, they have increasingly encroached on prohibited city routes, ignoring repeated warnings.
Addressing the timing of the raid during the holidays, he emphasized that enforcement is necessary to ensure a peaceful season for the public.
“For them to have a joyful, festive period, we need to keep these miscreants away.
“The menace of Okada operating within restricted areas is something you cannot over emphasized ,” he said.
The Directorate official issued a stern warning to operators planning to return to the city streets, urging them to remain in permissible areas to avoid arrest.
Regarding the fate of the impounded motorcycles, Anyebe indicated that the agency is under new leadership of Abubakar Yeldu, as Director DRTS, who will decide the next line of action.
He added that, “We have a new sheriff in town, a new Director, Abubakar Yeldu, So, we will have a discussion with him as to what is the next line of action for the apprehended Okada.”
The DRTS maintains that these operations will continue until the city is “sanitized enough” to reflect its status as the nation’s capital.