Insecurity: FCT may ban okada, keke operations in Abuja city centre — Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, announced on Tuesday that tricycles, commonly called Keke Napep, and commercial motorcycles, known as Okada, will no longer be permitted to operate within the city centre of Abuja. The directive was issued following a recommendation from the FCT Security Council, which identified these vehicles as posing a serious security risk to residents. Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja, Wike emphasized that the decision was based on intelligence reports linking the use of Okada and Keke Napep to criminal activities. The ban applies specifically to the city centre, though Wike acknowledged that implementing a complete prohibition across the entire Federal Capital Territory would be logistically challenging due to the city's vast size and reliance on these modes of transport. He instructed security agencies to identify and delineate zones where such vehicles would be restricted, while allowing their continued operation in other parts of the territory. “I have told the security people to map out areas where we do not need the Keke Napep and the motorcycles, but it would be difficult to ban them in the entire Abuja, particularly,” he stated. In addition to addressing the operational restrictions on Keke Napep and Okada, Wike also tackled the persistent issue of beggars in the capital. He noted that despite ongoing efforts to relocate them, the population of homeless individuals continues to return to the city. “Each time we move them out, they come in again,” he remarked, highlighting the administrative difficulties faced by the government in managing the situation. Wike explained that providing permanent housing for the destitute could inadvertently encourage migration from neighboring states, adding financial strain to an already resource-constrained administration. He rejected calls for the government to offer long-term shelter to the homeless, arguing that such a policy would create a cycle of dependency and attract more people from surrounding regions. “How would we continue to be doing that? It means we are encouraging people to leave Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Kaduna; how can you fund that?” he questioned, underscoring the economic constraints facing the administration. Wike further elaborated on the geographical challenges contributing to the influx of beggars, pointing out that Abuja is strategically located between several states. This proximity, he argued, makes it a common destination for individuals seeking refuge or assistance. “You know Abuja is in the centre, surrounded by four states. So, it’s a big problem, but we’ll do the best we can,” he concluded, expressing confidence in the administration’s ability to manage the situation despite its complexities. Security officials have been directed to enhance logistical support for the upcoming operations aimed at curbing illegal activities associated with Okada and Keke Napep. These measures include increased surveillance and enforcement actions targeting areas identified as high-risk. While the immediate focus remains on the city centre, the broader implications of the policy extend to the entire FCT, where balancing public safety with the practicalities of urban mobility remains a key challenge. As the implementation unfolds, the effectiveness of the strategy will depend on the coordination between law enforcement and local authorities.