On Monday, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) took action against 69 vehicles for various violations, as part of their ongoing efforts to enhance the safety and cleanliness of Abuja city.
These vehicles were seized by the FCT combined Security Task Force at various locations within the federal capital, Abuja. Mr. Abdulatef Bello, the Director of FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Service (DRTS), stated that these seizures were part of an ongoing operation to remove illegal operators of commercial vehicles from the city. This initiative aims to enhance the safety of both lives and property in Abuja.
Bello clarified that the impounded vehicles were found to be in violation of various regulations, including incorrect parking, operation of unsafe vehicles, number plate violations, and suspicion of involvement in illegal transportation services, among other infractions.
He further emphasized that the FCT Administration is committed to ensuring that the city is free from all forms of public nuisances. Owners of the impounded vehicles will face prosecution in the FCT Mobile Court located on the DRTS premises.
Bello noted that three of the vehicle owners, suspected of being involved in illegal transportation services, will be handed over to the police for further legal action. He attributed the prevalence of one-chance operators to the inefficiency of the city’s public transportation system.
Mr. Peter Olumuji, Secretary of the Command and Control Unit at FCTA, displayed a sharp object confiscated from one of the suspected one-chance operators. He emphasized that the administration is actively working to combat this issue and urged road users to exclusively use registered, painted taxis for their safety. Efforts are also underway to address the transportation deficiencies in the city.
Additionally, Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, Director of the Department of Development Control at FCTA, attributed the high rate of criminal activities in the FCT to a lack of discipline. He stated that FCTA will persist in educating road users about the importance of exercising caution when using taxi services to avoid falling victim to one-chance operators. He specifically advised residents against patronizing unpainted taxis or those lacking proper number plates.