FCT minister says commercial tricycles, motorcycles pose security risks; vows to remove beggars and destitutes from the capital.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed that commercial tricycles, popularly known as Keke Napep, and commercial motorcycles (Okada) will not be allowed to operate within the Abuja city centre, citing growing security concerns.
Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike said the decision followed resolutions reached at a recent FCT Security Council meeting, where security agencies identified the operators as a threat to public safety.
The minister disclosed that he had already approved measures to restrict the movement of Keke Napep and Okada in designated parts of the capital, noting that security agencies had been directed to identify areas where the ban would be strictly enforced.
“You talked about Keke Napep and Okada. Just this morning, I signed the approval because we had a Security Council meeting where we agreed that they do not only constitute a nuisance but have also become a security threat,” he said.
Wike, however, acknowledged that implementing a blanket ban across the entire Federal Capital Territory would be difficult, particularly in satellite towns where residents rely heavily on the services for transportation.
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The minister also announced plans to intensify the removal of beggars and destitutes from Abuja, insisting that the nation’s capital should not become a refuge for people migrating from neighbouring states.
According to him, the FCT Administration is finalising the logistics required for the operation, stressing that repeatedly accommodating displaced persons would only encourage more migration into the city.
“Each time we take them out, they come in again. Some people ask why we don’t provide accommodation for them. How can we continue to do that? It would only encourage more people from Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger and Kaduna to move into Abuja,” Wike said.
He maintained that the FCT Administration would continue enforcing measures aimed at improving security, restoring order and preserving the image of the nation’s capital.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.