TheCable

The federal capital territory administration (FCTA)  says all commercial motorcycles impounded in the city would be crushed.

Deborah Osho, head of operations at the FCTA directorate of road transport services, spoke on Wednesday while leading a clampdown on commercial motorcycle operators in the nation’s capital.

The raid took place on major highways in the city such as Kubwa, Airport road, Apo and Lokogoma.

Osho said the raid was in line with the law that banned the operation of commercial motorcycles in the city.

She said the operation of commercial motorcycles in the FCT has escalated from traffic offences to serious security breaches, requiring government intervention.

“There is an existing ban on the operation of commercial motorcycles in the city and that is what we are here to enforce,” Osho said.

“We have just impounded some of them and we are going to crush them for security reasons.

“The operators should not come near the city. If you want to operate, go to where it is approved in the suburbs and other rural areas.

“Commercial operators of motorcycles are not welcome in the city.”

Peter Olumuji, secretary at the command and control centre of the FCTA department of security services, said the operation was part of a city-wide effort to curb criminal activities.

Olumuji said the recent arrests of kidnapping suspects revealed that commercial motorcycles were being used for quick escape after committing the crime.

He emphasised that crushing impounded motorcycles would strengthen enforcement and improve residents’ safety.