The Security Taskforce of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in Abuja has impounded 69 commercial vehicles within the territory for various offenses. These offenses range from wrongful parking to operating rickety vehicles and failing to display proper number plates.
The FCTA stated that this action is part of its ongoing efforts to eliminate illegal commercial vehicle operators and enhance the safety of residents and property in Abuja.
Abdulateef Bello, the Director of the FCTA Directorate of Road Traffic Services, addressed journalists during the operation and emphasized that the administration is committed to removing nuisances from the city. He added that the owners of the 69 impounded vehicles would face prosecution in the FCT Mobile Court, which operates within the Directorate of Road Traffic Services.
During the operation, three commercial vehicle operators who were suspected members of a “one-chance” syndicate were arrested. They will be handed over to the police for prosecution.
Mukhtar Galadima, the Director of the FCT Department of Development Control, identified indiscipline as a significant factor contributing to the prevalence of “one-chance” criminal activities in the city. He noted that the administration would continue to encourage the use of the 40 designated taxi ranks provided by the FCTA in the city center.
Additionally, Peter Olumuji, the Secretary of the FCTA Command and Control Unit, displayed objects recovered from the “one-chance” operators and urged road users to utilize the designated taxi ranks. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to eradicating “one-chance” operations in the city, a reference to criminal activities often perpetrated by unregistered taxi operators.