The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced plans to restrict the operations of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, and tricycles (Keke Napep) in parts of Abuja, citing growing security concerns and intelligence reports linking the vehicles to criminal activities.
Speaking during his monthly media briefing on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, Wike disclosed that the proposed restrictions followed recommendations from the FCT Security Council, which recently reviewed the worsening security situation within the nation’s capital.
According to the minister, security agencies have raised concerns that criminals, including suspected bandits, frequently rely on motorcycles to carry out attacks and escape from crime scenes.
‘Bandits Use Motorcycles’ – Wike
While acknowledging that motorcycles and tricycles remain an important means of transportation for many residents, Wike insisted that the security implications could no longer be ignored.
He revealed that he had already approved fresh security measures aimed at addressing the challenge and directed security agencies to identify specific locations where the operations of Okada and Keke Napep should no longer be permitted.
According to him, a blanket ban across the Federal Capital Territory would be impractical because of Abuja’s size and the transportation needs of residents.
Instead, the restrictions will focus mainly on strategic parts of the city.
“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.
“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,” Wike stated.
Fresh Crackdown On Beggars?
The minister also addressed the recurring presence of street beggars and destitute persons across Abuja, admitting that previous efforts to remove them from the city had produced only temporary results.
According to Wike, many of those evacuated often find their way back into the Federal Capital Territory within weeks.
He blamed the situation partly on Abuja’s geographical location, noting that the city shares borders with Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger and Kaduna states, making it easier for people to return after being removed.
‘They Keep Coming Back’
Wike dismissed suggestions that the FCT Administration should establish permanent shelters and cater for beggars, arguing that such a move would only encourage more people from neighbouring states to relocate to Abuja.
“Even the destitute beggars are all over the place, and each time we take them out, they come in again. Each time you take them out, they come in again.
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“And people say, ‘Oh, why not provide where they will be staying, feed them?’ How will we continue to be doing that? It means you are encouraging people to leave from Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger and Kaduna.
“How can you fund that? It is not possible. So, we try to take them back to where they are coming from, but the next month, you see them back.
“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.”
Security Takes Centre Stage
The planned restrictions signal what could become one of the most significant security measures introduced by the FCT Administration in recent months.
If implemented, commercial motorcycles and tricycles could soon disappear from major parts of Abuja’s city centre as authorities intensify efforts to curb criminal activities and tighten security across the nation’s capital.