- The task force conducted a raid on Thursday, leading to a high-speed chase as the motorcyclists scattered in different directions to evade arrest
In a recent incident, the Joint Task Force of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in Abuja took action against motorcycles operating in Gosa village along Airport Road.
According to SaharaReporters, the motorcyclists attempted to prevent their motorcycles from being seized, resulting in a violent clash with the security operatives.
The task force conducted a raid on Thursday, leading to a high-speed chase as the motorcyclists scattered in different directions to evade arrest.
The operation covered various areas, including the popular car wash bus stop in Lugbe, Gosa, Bill Clinton drive, Trademore Estate, Lugbe junction, Kubwa, and its surroundings. As a result, a total of 470 motorcycles were impounded by the authorities.
During the incident, a combination of personnel from the DRTS, Police, Civil Defence, DSS, and the Military used teargas canisters to defend themselves against the angry motorcyclists who retaliated by throwing stones at the task force.
As a result, many of the motorcyclists sustained various injuries, while some were arrested.
Nya Ubokutom, the Secretary of the Transportation Secretariat, addressed the media before the seized motorcycles were crushed at Area 1 roundabout. He issued a warning to commercial motorcyclists, urging them to strictly operate only in designated areas.
Ubokutom further emphasized that the Administration aims to develop a smart city without any form of pollution, and achieving this goal would be impossible if illegal activities continue to occur in the Federal Capital City.
Also, the Director, FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services, Dr Abdulateef Bello said apart from the City Centre, commercial motorcyclists are not allowed to operate on any of the territory’s highways stating that the administration is determined to rid the entire FCT roads of okada operators.
He, however, warned that one of the strategies to be deployed towards eliminating commercial motorcyclists from FCT roads is arresting passengers who patronise the business.
Similarly, food vendors and passers-by took to their heels at Galadimawa roundabout on sightings of the intimidating joint task force team as they arrived to carry out their operation.