EDITORIAL: Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa and Kaduna Must Enforce Okada Restrictions Without Fear or Favour

The worsening security challenges in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa and Kaduna States demand decisive, lawful, and impartial action from governments and security agencies. Where commercial motorcycle (Okada) restrictions have been enacted, enforcement should not be delayed, weakened, or compromised by favouritism. Public safety must remain the overriding priority.

Motorcycles provide affordable transportation and livelihoods for many Nigerians, and the vast majority of riders are law-abiding citizens. However, security authorities have repeatedly expressed concern that some criminal groups exploit motorcycles because they are fast, manoeuvrable, and can make escape easier after criminal acts. In some cases, suspects deliberately conceal their identities with masks or other face coverings to frustrate identification by victims and security operatives. Such abuse should not be tolerated.

The governments of Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa and Kaduna must ensure that every security operation is intelligence-driven, professional, and firmly rooted in the law. Anyone found violating validly enacted Okada restrictions should be dealt with according to the law. Where legislation authorizes the seizure or forfeiture of motorcycles used in unlawful activities, such measures should be implemented transparently and with due process. There must be no room for extortion, abuse of power, or arbitrary enforcement.

Another issue that deserves urgent attention is the involvement of serving security personnel in commercial Okada operations where such activities create conflicts of interest or undermine public confidence. Members of the Nigerian Police Force, the Armed Forces, and other security agencies are expected to uphold the law and maintain the highest standards of integrity. They should not engage in conduct that could weaken public trust in impartial law enforcement.

Equally unacceptable is the practice of using official connections to influence enforcement. No rider should escape lawful sanctions because a parent, sibling, spouse, or relative serves in the police, military, or any other security agency. Justice cannot flourish where personal relationships determine who is punished and who is protected.

The citizens of Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa and Kaduna deserve a security system built on fairness, accountability, and equal justice. The law must speak with one voice to everyone, regardless of family ties, political influence, or social standing.

A nation that enforces its laws consistently sends a powerful message to criminals that impunity will not be tolerated. By enforcing Okada regulations fairly, respecting due process, and rejecting favouritism, these states can strengthen security, restore public confidence, and demonstrate that the rule of law—not personal influence—remains the foundation of a peaceful and orderly society.