The Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Hon. Engr. Abinye Blessing Pepple, has banned all unregistered and unidentified commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, from operating within the council area.
The directive, which takes effect from June 24, 2026, was announced in a public notice issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Amb. Wisdom Chapp-Jumbo, on Wednesday.
According to the notice, all commercial motorcycle operators are required to undergo a mandatory security profiling and registration exercise coordinated through the Office of the Chief Security Officer of the Local Government Area.
The council said operators who successfully complete the profiling process will be issued a unique registration number, an approved safety jacket and a safety helmet to enable them operate legally within the area.
To participate in the exercise, operators are required to present their National Identification Number (NIN) and Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC). The council emphasized that the registration and profiling exercise is free of charge.
The notice further stated that registration must be completed in person, as proxy registration will not be permitted. It also warned that registration numbers, safety jackets and other identification materials issued by the council are personal and non-transferable.
In addition, motorcycle owners were directed not to transfer or assign motorcycles to new riders for commercial operations unless such riders have undergone the council’s registration and security profiling process.
To enforce compliance with the directive, the Chairman has constituted an Enforcement Taskforce headed by the Chief Security Officer of the Local Government Area, Warisenibo Hon. Princewill Christy-Wilcox.
The taskforce has been mandated to monitor and enforce the directive across Bonny Local Government Area.
The council warned that from June 24, 2026, any commercial motorcycle operator found operating without undergoing the profiling exercise will have his motorcycle impounded and confiscated.
Residents were also advised to patronize only registered operators and report any unregistered motorcycle rider to the appropriate authorities.
The council said the measure is aimed at strengthening security and ensuring proper identification of commercial motorcycle operators within the area.
