In an effort to tackle violent robberies and bring order back to the city’s transportation network, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has confiscated 40 cars and 52 motorcycles during a sweeping crackdown on unauthorized commercial transport operations.
This initiative focused on vehicles linked to the infamous ‘one chance’ crimes, where perpetrators masquerade as taxi drivers to rob and assault unsuspecting passengers. The enforcement was carried out by a collaborative task force comprising the police, civil defence, and the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS).
During an inspection of the impounded vehicles at the Wuye DRTS Command, Chinedu Elechi, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Transport Secretariat, emphasized the administration’s unwavering commitment to restoring safety.
He identified the use of unregistered and unpainted taxis as a significant contributor to the security challenges facing the FCT.
“Order must be restored. The government’s primary responsibility is to ensure the welfare and safety of its citizens. We recognize that unpainted vehicles ferrying passengers are a major security loophole. Incidents of ‘one chance’ crimes rarely occur in properly marked taxis,” Elechi stated.
Elechi further explained that while the seized motorcycles are slated for destruction, the vehicles will undergo legal proceedings through mobile courts.
“Impounding is just the first step. Owners will be prosecuted in mobile courts following due legal process,” he clarified.
He issued a firm warning to offenders, underscoring that this crackdown is an ongoing and permanent aspect of the FCTA’s security strategy.
“As long as individuals continue to operate unpainted vehicles and motorcycles illegally, our enforcement efforts will persist. This is a continuous responsibility for the FCT. We will maintain this vigilance indefinitely,” he affirmed.
Additionally, Elechi revealed plans to implement a detailed profiling system for all commercial drivers in Abuja, aimed at making legitimate taxis easily recognizable and enhancing commuter safety.
“We are launching security initiatives that will involve registering all commercial drivers and assigning identification numbers to every taxi,” he explained.
“Anyone operating a commercial transport service in Abuja must be profiled. This means every authorized taxi will be painted and display a unique side number. Those using personal vehicles for commercial transport will be targeted and sanctioned,” he added.
Deborah Osho, Acting Director of the DRTS, provided insight into the specific violations that led to the vehicle seizures.
She confirmed that unpainted taxis were the main focus, as these are frequently exploited by ‘one chance’ criminal groups.
“The vehicles were impounded for a range of traffic violations, including route infringements and driving against traffic flow. However, the predominant issue is the unpainted commercial vehicles,” Osho noted.
Regarding the motorcycles and tricycles confiscated, Osho highlighted their association with various criminal activities.
“These motorcycles and tricycles are often involved in crimes such as bag snatching and other offenses within the city,” she added.
