TRAFFIC VIOLATION: FCTA Taskforce Confiscates 120 Commercial Motorcycles in Abuja City Center

By Toffa Momoh

Furtherance to it’s ongoing effort to enforce traffic regulations and maintain order in areas where commercial motorcyclists popularly called “okada” were restricted, a joint taskforce of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has confiscated about one hundred and twenty, (120) commercial motorcycles during a massive raid in Abuja city center and along the expressway, particularly the Kubwa axis.

The team, comprising the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), Police, Military, and Paramilitary agencies, targeted motorcycle riders violating traffic rules and causing disruptions in the territory.

Areas raided included Garki Area 1 & 3, Guzape, Drumi 1, 2 & 3, Mpape junction, Asokoro, and the Kubwa axis, where motorcycles were confiscated.

The Head of Operation, DRTS, Deborah Osho, who addressed journalists after the exercise, described the raid as part of their regular activities and emphasized its continuity as long as motorcyclists persist in violating traffic rules in restricted areas.

“We confiscated about 120 bikes today, and tomorrow, we will resume our operations to ensure compliance. The confiscated bikes will be subject to a court order of forfeiture, after which they will be destroyed,” she explained.

Similarly, the Secretary, FCT Command and Control Centre of the Security Services Department, Dr. Peter Olumuji, highlighted the significant reduction in crime facilitated by the crackdown on commercial motorcycles. He reiterated the commitment of the FCT Commissioner of Police to enforce the ban on motorcycles in restricted areas.

The joint operation, involving various security agencies such as the Nigerian Police, Civil Defence, Department of State Services, NDLEA, Immigration Services, and Correctional Services, reflects the holistic approach adopted to enhance security in the FCT.

Olumuji emphasized the FCT Minister’s dedication to improving residents’ security, underscoring the sustained efforts to elevate security standards in the territory.