Insecurity: FCT may consider ban on Okada, Keke Napep in parts of Abuja – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that the FCT Administration is considering banning commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, and tricycles (Keke Napep) in parts of Abuja as part of efforts to tackle rising security threats.

Speaking during his monthly media chat aired live on Channels Television on Tuesday, Wike said the proposed restriction followed recommendations by the FCT Security Council after intelligence reports linked the use of motorcycles to criminal activities.

According to the minister, he has already approved measures to strengthen security logistics and directed security agencies to identify specific areas within the city where the operations of Okada and Keke Napep should be prohibited.

> “Apart from this, as you know, just this morning, I signed approval after we had a Security Council meeting, where we agreed that, beyond constituting a nuisance, they have become a security threat.

> “From our security reports, bandits, when they don’t act, they use motorcycles,” Wike said.

He, however, noted that imposing a blanket ban across the entire Federal Capital Territory would be impractical because of Abuja’s size and the transportation needs of residents.

> “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. They are working that out,” he added.

Wike also revealed that he had approved the release of logistics to support the planned security operations.

On the persistent challenge of street begging in the nation’s capital, the minister said repeated efforts by the administration to evacuate destitute persons had only produced temporary results, as many returned shortly after being removed.

He explained that establishing shelters for all beggars was not financially sustainable and could encourage more people from neighbouring states to migrate to Abuja.

> “Even the destitute beggars are all over the place, and each time we take them out, they come in again.

> “People say we should provide accommodation and feed them. How will we continue doing that? It means you are encouraging people to leave from Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger and Kaduna.

> “We try to take them back to where they are coming from, but the next month, you see them back,” he said.

The minister attributed the recurring problem to Abuja’s central location, noting that the Federal Capital Territory is surrounded by several neighbouring states, making population influx difficult to control.

Headline Suggestions

1. Wike Considers Ban on Okada, Keke in Parts of Abuja Over Security Threats

2. FCT to Restrict Okada, Keke Operations in Abuja City Centre — Wike

3. Security Reports Link Okada to Crime, Says Wike as Ban Looms

4. Wike Approves Fresh Security Measures, Targets Okada, Keke Operations

5. Abuja: Wike Rules Out Total Okada Ban, Plans Area-Based Restrictions

6. FCT Security Council Recommends Okada, Keke Ban in Parts of Abuja

7. Wike Orders Mapping of Areas for Okada, Keke Prohibition in Abuja

8. Wike: Beggars Keep Returning Despite Repeated Evacuations

9. FCT Minister Blames Security Concerns for Planned Okada Restrictions

10. Wike Says Blanket Ban on Okada Impossible, Eyes Targeted Restrictions in Abuja