Kwara Moves Against Okada, Keke Crime as Police Introduce Biometric Tracking and Curfew

The Kwara State Police Command has unveiled tougher security measures targeting criminal activities allegedly linked to commercial motorcycle and tricycle operations, introducing mandatory biometric registration, a new night-time restriction and joint enforcement across the state.

The measures were agreed at a high-level security meeting held at the Police Command Headquarters in Ilorin and chaired by the Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo. The meeting brought together government agencies, transport unions and other stakeholders concerned about security and traffic management.

At the heart of the new strategy is the establishment of a comprehensive biometric database for commercial motorcycle, popularly known as Okada, and tricycle, or Keke, operators across Kwara State.

Under the arrangement, operators will be required to undergo biometric registration and obtain numbered identification vests. The system is intended to make it easier for security agencies to distinguish legitimate operators, trace individuals when necessary and strengthen intelligence gathering within the commercial transport sector.

CP Ojo said the initiative was designed to prevent criminals from exploiting the transport industry to conceal their identities or carry out illegal activities.

The stakeholders also agreed to impose a 10:00pm curfew on Okada and Keke operations within the Ilorin metropolis, replacing the previous 9:00pm restriction. The new timing is expected to form part of intensified efforts to reduce security incidents associated with late-night commercial transportation.

Another major component is the establishment of a joint Police-Union-Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) task force. The team is expected to conduct regular enforcement operations covering both security and traffic regulations and take action against operators who violate established rules.

Transport unions will also establish disciplinary committees to identify and sanction members who engage in criminal activities or repeatedly breach operational regulations. The committees are expected to complement the efforts of government security and enforcement agencies.

The Federal Ministry of Labour, according to the stakeholders, has indicated its readiness to intervene in disputes involving operators while exploring welfare measures aimed at reducing exploitation and encouraging compliance with the new regulations.

Meanwhile, officials of the Kwara State Road Traffic Management Authority (KWARTMA) and VIO warned that operators who disregard the directives would face sanctions. Possible penalties include vehicle impoundment and substantial fines.

The latest measures follow previous concerns raised by authorities over what they described as an influx of unidentified commercial motorcycle riders into Kwara State. Officials have linked the presence of unregistered operators to broader security concerns and the difficulty of tracking individuals within the sector.

Before full enforcement begins, authorities plan to commence a statewide sensitisation campaign next week. The campaign is expected to explain the registration process, operating requirements, curfew provisions and penalties for non-compliance.

The new policy represents a significant tightening of regulation within Kwara’s commercial transport sector, with authorities seeking to strike a balance between protecting residents from crime and ensuring that legitimate Okada and Keke operators can continue to earn a livelihood under clearly defined rules.