The Ondo State Government has banned the operation of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as okada, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. as part of efforts to curb rising insecurity across the state.

The government said the decision followed security reports indicating that motorcycles were frequently used by criminals to carry out kidnappings, armed robbery and other violent crimes.

Commander of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this on Wednesday while parading no fewer than 52 suspected criminals, including 18 suspected kidnappers.

Adeleye stated that the restriction takes immediate effect, noting that only security personnel and individuals on essential services would be exempted from the ban.

He also announced that commercial motorcyclists in the state have been given a two-week grace period to register with the state’s security agency and obtain certification to operate legally.

According to him, the registration exercise will be free during the two-week window, after which riders will be required to pay ₦20,000 to the state’s Board of Internal Revenue for registration.

“The government of Ondo State has decided that in order to checkmate the nefarious activities of kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminals, there will be a restriction on the use of motorcycles from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.,” Adeleye said.

“The restriction had been enforced before, but it has now been reinforced. Apart from essential services, there will be a total ban on the use of okada within the state during those hours.”

He stressed that the registration exercise is aimed at ensuring that all motorcycle operators in the state are properly documented.

The Amotekun commander also announced additional security measures, including a ban on cart pushing in major metropolitan areas, as well as the mandatory registration of scrap metal dealers and tighter regulation of their activities.

Adeleye further revealed that the government would prohibit the display and sale of farm produce at unauthorised roadside locations, particularly at junctions.

According to him, intelligence reports indicate that some of these makeshift markets are being used by criminal elements as monitoring points within urban centres.