The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Tuesday crushed 601 impounded commercial motorcycles for violating traffic regulations and operating within restricted zones of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Speaking after the exercise, Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Transportation Secretariat, Dr. Elechi Chinedum, said the move was in line with the administration’s traffic laws, which prohibit commercial motorcycle operations in certain parts of the city.
“There is nothing we can do apart from enforcing the law. “LWhat we do is to try as much as possible to enforce the regulation and not to punish anybody. If we catch you, we will impound it and crush it,” Chinedum stated
He emphasised that the exercise was backed by legal provisions, and that the FCTA was committed to maintaining order and safety in the capital.
Earlier, Director of the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), Dr. Abdulateef Bello, noted that the operation was part of a routine enforcement exercise initiated since 2006 to control the misuse of motorcycles and address rising security threats.
Bello said, This exercise is meant to curtail traffic abuses and criminal activities facilitated by motorcycles. Commercial motorcycles have been used to commit crimes, including aiding escape during robberies and kidnappings.”
Bello also warned investors against putting money into commercial motorcycle operations within the restricted areas, and reiterated that enforcement would be continuous.
Also present at the event, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Operations, FCT Command, Mode Magawata, reinforced the directive of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and stressed that no tolerance would be given to commercial motorcyclists found in restricted areas.
“These motorcycles are being used by criminals, armed robbers, and kidnappers. This is why the Minister has made it clear that he does not want to see any commercial motorcycles within the restricted zones,” Magawata said
Authorities advised residents to comply with existing transportation regulations and warned that continued violation would attract similar consequences.
