Juliet Jacob 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Commercial drivers in Abuja expressed anger as the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) intensified its crackdown on illegal operators, seizing 40 vehicles and 52 motorcycles in joint operations.
Officials said the move was part of efforts to reduce crimes linked to unpainted taxis and commercial motorcycles, including the notorious “one chance” robberies.
FCT Transport Secretariat Mandate Secretary, Chinedu Elechi defended the crackdown: “There has to be sanity. The function of government is the welfare and security of the people.”
At the Wuye DRTS Command, Acting Director Deborah Osho said unpainted taxis and motorcycles were often used for bag-snatching and other urban crimes.
Drivers, however, claimed the measures were punitive, warning that impoundments would worsen transport shortages and undermine livelihoods. Some urged authorities to ease painting and registration requirements.
The FCTA announced plans to introduce driver profiling and assign numbers to registered taxis. But residents remain divided between safety and survival concerns.
About the Author
Koko Maxwella 
Chukwu Obinna 
