Motorcycles in some parts of the North have been banned by the Nigerian Army following the increasing rate of banditry in the region. The states affected in particular, include Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, Zamfara, and Niger.
While explaining the reason for such moves, the Army mentioned that it had noticed that most of the criminals who operated in the region, made use of motorcycles.
It further stated that although, the ban would disturb the free flow of some activities in the affected states, it became unavoidable since it would help in bringing an end to banditry in that part of the country.
It then stated that any resident who flouts the new directive would be treated as being one of the criminals.
While relaying the development to newsmen, the Army Public Relations Director, Col. Sagir Musa, stated, “The army has over time observed the use of motorcycles by bandits, kidnappers, criminal elements and their collaborators as enablers to perpetrate their crimes, especially in the states within the North-West region.
“This informed the directive to ban the use of motorcycles within the hinterland, particularly around the forests where the 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 need no emphasis.
He continued, “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 army as concerted efforts are being made to combat the insecurity menace ongoing within the area.”
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