{
  "id": 127588,
  "title": "Insecurity: FCT may ban okada, keke operations in Abuja city centre — Wike",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/04/insecurity-fct-may-ban-okada-keke-operations-in-abuja-city-centre-wike",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-04T12:05:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/insecurity-fct-may-ban-okada-keke-operations-in-abuja-city-centre-wike/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is contemplating the prohibition of commercial motorcycles, known as Okada, and tricycles, referred to as Keke Napep, in specific areas of Abuja due to escalating security concerns. This potential restriction stems from recommendations made by the FCT Security Council following intelligence reports that linked these vehicles to criminal activities. Speaking during his monthly media chat on Tuesday, Wike emphasized the necessity of these measures, stating that motorcycles serve as a mode of transportation for bandits when they are not actively engaged in criminal activities.\n\nWike clarified that while a complete ban across the entire Federal Capital Territory might be impractical given its vast size and the essential role these vehicles play in daily transportation, the decision is strictly confined to particular zones. He directed security agencies to identify these specific areas where the operations of Okada and Keke Napep should be prohibited. Additionally, Wike had recently approved additional measures to enhance security logistics, aiming to bolster protective measures against potential threats.\n\nHowever, the minister acknowledged that implementing a blanket ban would be challenging due to Abuja's extensive area and the inherent need for these vehicles in the city's transportation ecosystem. He instructed security personnel to focus on pinpointing areas where the presence of these vehicles could pose significant risks. Wike's stance on the issue is clear: the prohibition is particularly urgent within the city center, where the presence of these vehicles could exacerbate security vulnerabilities.\n\nRegarding another pressing issue, Wike commented on the persistent presence of beggars in Abuja, despite repeated efforts to manage this problem. He noted that despite evicting beggars, many would return shortly after, highlighting a recurring cycle that has proven difficult to break. He questioned the feasibility of providing permanent accommodations for beggars from various states, given Abuja's status as the nation's capital and the numerous other states surrounding it. Wike emphasized that such a solution is not only impractical but also potentially encourages an influx of individuals from other regions into Abuja, exacerbating resource strain.",
  "summary": "FCT Minister Nyesom Wike is considering banning Okada and Keke Napep in Abuja city centre due to security concerns. Learn more about the proposed Abuja Oka Read More: https://punchng.com/insecurity-fct-may-ban-okada-keke-operations-in-abuja-city-centre-wike/",
  "key_points": [
    "FCT Security Council's intelligence reports link these vehicles to criminal activities.",
    "Prohibition is limited to specific zones, not the entire Federal Capital Territory."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}