The Directorate of Road Traffic Service (DRTS) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched a crackdown on commercial motorcycles operating in restricted areas, with a promise to adopt stringent measures to combat the menace.
Deborah Osho, Deputy Director and head of Operations at DRTS (popularly known as VIO), announced this during a clampdown operation on okada operators at various locations in Idu, including the Federal Medical Centre, EFCC, and NASENI areas.
While Osho did not reveal the exact measures to be taken against the okada operators, she emphasized that discussions and planning are underway to address the challenge.
She expressed concern over reports from residents regarding the activities of commercial motorcycle operators and stressed the need to tackle the issue.
Osho affirmed that it is the mandate of DRTS to rid the FCT of commercial bikes, particularly when they violate traffic laws. She highlighted the areas of focus for the operation, including Idu, NASENI, and EFCC, where residents have complained about the menace of okada riders.
Dr. Peter Olumuji, Secretary of Command and Control FCTA, clarified that the motorcycles distributed to security agencies by the FCT Minister are not the same as those impounded by DRTS.
He debunked misconceptions suggesting that seized motorcycles were being repurposed for security purposes, emphasizing that the bikes inaugurated by the FCT Administration were specifically purchased for security operations and not for commercial use.
Olumuji emphasized the importance of the security motorcycles in enabling security agencies, vigilantes, and hunters to access difficult terrains in border communities. He noted that these motorcycles have facilitated arrests in challenging environments where conventional vehicles struggle to navigate.
