Nigerian Army Bans Okada In Seven States, See Affected States And Reason

Army Takes Strong Action To End Banditry And Kidnappings

The Nigerian Army on Sunday announced the ban on the use of motorcycles also called Okada from operating in some locations in certain North West states.

The Army disclosed that its action is targeted at ending the spate of banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities ravaging the zone.

Naija News reports the action is under exercise HARBIN KUNAMA of the Nigerian Army and the affected states are Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara and Niger states.

Particularly, the Army said the ban affected hinterland areas specifically, areas around the forests where the armed bandits and kidnappers hide.

It also called on the respective state governors to collaborate with the Army in enforcing the directives and restoring peace and order.

The statement, made available to newsmen by Acting spokesman, Colonel Sagir Musa, said: “The Nigerian Army over time has observed the use of motorcycles by armed bandits, kidnappers, criminal elements and their collaborators as enablers to perpetrate their heinous crimes especially in the states within the north-west geopolitical zone of the country.

“This informed the decision and directive to ban the use of motorcycles within the hinterland particularly around the forests where the armed bandits, criminals and kidnappers hibernate and all around where troops are conducting operations alongside other security agencies.

“While this may cause some inconveniences to some law-abiding citizens in the area, the need to use all means possible to stop the dastardly activities of these bandits across the North West part of Nigeria needs no emphasis.

“The general public, particularly in the North West and some parts of North Central in Nigeria where Exercise HARBIN KUNAMA is ongoing are enjoined to bear with the NA as concerted efforts are being made to combat the insecurity menace ongoing within the area.”