FCTA Crushes 600 Motorcycles, Cracks Down on Car Theft Syndicate in Abuja
In a major enforcement move, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Tuesday destroyed over 600 motorcycles seized for violating traffic and security regulations in Abuja.
At the crushing exercise, the Mandate Secretary for Transport, Elechi Chinedum, emphasized that the operation was in line with a regulation enacted on January 1, 2023. The regulation, signed under former minister Mohammed Bello, prohibits commercial motorcycles, popularly known as okadas, from operating in designated areas of the capital.
“This is about upholding the law. These motorcycles pose a serious security threat and contribute to traffic disorder,” Chinedum said. “They’re often linked to crimes such as armed robbery and kidnapping. We’re not after lawful citizens—just those flouting the law.”
He further warned that motorcycles found within restricted zones will be impounded and crushed.
FCTA Intensifies Crackdown Amid Rising Security Threats
Supporting the move, the Director of the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, Abdulateef Bello, noted that although the ban has been in place since 2006, enforcement has escalated due to increasing security concerns.
“These motorcycles have become a tool for criminals to evade law enforcement and commit heinous acts. We’re sending a clear message—operating Okada in restricted areas is no longer worth the risk,” Bello added.
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Operations, FCT Command, Mode Magawata, confirmed that the FCT Minister is fully backing the enforcement to eliminate criminal mobility within the city.
Police Bust Car Theft Ring, Arrest Eight Suspects
In a related development, the FCT Police Command busted a notorious car theft syndicate operating in the territory. Eight suspects, including a woman who admitted to buying Toyota master keys online, were arrested.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the breakthrough began on April 19, 2025, when the Scorpion Squad arrested Yusuf Yunusa in connection with a stolen gold Toyota Corolla (Reg. No. ABC 570 FJ) from the Federal Secretariat.
Further investigations led to the arrest of his wife, Blessing Yusuf, who confessed to aiding her husband by purchasing the master keys and creating distractions during theft operations.
In another case, five men—Idris Suleiman, Isiyaku Habibu, Ganiyu Sadiq, Idowu Akintunde, and Bello Muyideen—were apprehended for stealing a black Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC E-400 (Reg. No. AAA 07 KA) from an employer. The car was recovered in Life Camp.
Police also tracked down a suspect, George Idung, in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, after he allegedly fled with his employer’s unregistered Toyota Hilux Adventure. The vehicle was recovered before he could sell it.
“All suspects are in custody and will face prosecution once investigations are concluded,” Adeh stated.
Commissioner Urges Vigilance
FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Adewale, urged residents to install vehicle tracking systems, avoid isolated parking areas, and verify ownership before purchasing used vehicles.
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FCTA Crushes 600 Motorcycles, Cracks Down on Car Theft Syndicate in Abuja