The Kano State Police Command has reminded residents that the ban on the use of commercial motorcycles and the restriction on commercial tricycles are still fully in force across the state. The Command said the measures, introduced by the state government to tackle insecurity, will continue to be strictly enforced as part of broader security operations across Kano.
The warning was issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, who said the Command—working alongside other security agencies—has intensified its operations to ensure full compliance. He stressed that both the ban and the night-time restrictions remain important tools in the fight against banditry, armed robbery, and other security threats affecting the state and the northern region.
The ban prohibits the conveyance of passengers on all types of motorcycles within designated areas of the state, while commercial tricycles are not allowed to operate between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. daily.
According to Kiyawa, the laws establishing these restrictions remain fully active in Kano Municipal, Gwale, Dala, Fagge, Nassarawa, Tarauni, Kumbotso, Ungogo (Jido Area), and parts of Dawakin Kudu Local Government, including Tambuwal, Gurjiya, and Jido wards.
The restrictions date back several years and were introduced as part of measures to curb rising insecurity across northern Nigeria. In many northern states, motorcycles—commonly called okada—have been used by criminals to carry out attacks, kidnap victims, transport weapons, and escape quickly before security forces can respond.
Bandit groups operating in parts of the Northwest routinely use motorcycles for mass movements, making them difficult to intercept. Because of this, states like Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto have all, at different times, introduced similar regulations.
Kano, though relatively more stable than some neighbouring states, has not been entirely spared. In recent years, the state has recorded cases of robbery, kidnapping for ransom, and communal clashes, prompting the government to strengthen security control.
Kiyawa said the restrictions on motorcycles and tricycles were part of coordinated efforts to prevent criminal elements from gaining access to urban areas. “These measures are designed to enhance public safety and security across the state,” he said.
According to the Police Command, enforcement teams have been fully empowered to act decisively against violators. Kiyawa said officers have been instructed to stop and profile individuals who disregard the ban or operate tricycles during prohibited hours.
He added that profiling suspected violators is important for security agencies to identify criminals who may attempt to disguise themselves as commercial operators.
The Police Command also warned against spreading unverified information on social media, noting that rumours often cause unnecessary panic. “The enforcement team will help curb the spread of misleading information that instills fear and confusion among the public,” Kiyawa said.
In a strong warning to residents, the Police Command said anyone found violating the ban or the time restriction will be promptly arrested and prosecuted according to the law. The Command stressed that ignorance of the law is not an excuse and called for maximum cooperation from motorcycle and tricycle operators.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, urges all residents to comply with these regulations and extend their cooperation to law enforcement agencies in ensuring peace and order in Kano State,” Kiyawa said.
He encouraged members of the public to report suspicious activities or any violations to the nearest police station. The Command believes that community participation is crucial in detecting potential threats before they escalate.
Kiyawa explained that the enforcement exercise is being carried out in partnership with the Kano Road and Traffic Agency (KAROTA), which has been working hand-in-hand with the police to manage road activities and ensure public safety.
KAROTA has long supported efforts to control traffic at night and enforce security regulations across the state. Their officers often join joint patrols, setting up checkpoints and verifying compliance with state directives.
“This security partnership will take necessary measures to ensure full compliance with these directives for the safety and security of all residents,” the statement noted.
The continued enforcement of motorcycle and tricycle restrictions has generated mixed reactions among residents. While many people support the move, saying the restrictions help reduce crime, others argue that the measures inconvenience people who rely on motorcycles and tricycles as their main means of transportation.
In Kano’s densely populated urban areas, tricycles—popularly called keke Napep—are the primary mode of transport. Some residents say they struggle to get home after 10:00 p.m., especially workers who close late.
A shopkeeper in Fagge told our reporter, “The restriction has helped reduce night robbery, but it affects those of us who close late. We have to start planning our movements earlier.”
Motorcycle operators, on the other hand, say the ban has taken away their livelihoods. Some commercial riders claim that the restrictions have pushed them into unemployment or forced them to relocate to rural areas where the rules are more relaxed.
The continued enforcement of these bans comes at a time when insecurity remains a major concern across northern Nigeria. States surrounding Kano—such as Katsina, Jigawa, Kaduna, and Zamfara—have all faced repeated attacks by bandits and other armed groups.
Many residents fear that without strong preventive measures, criminal elements could infiltrate Kano’s urban areas. The police say this is one of the reasons the restrictions cannot be lifted yet.
While Kano has avoided large-scale bandit attacks seen in neighbouring states, incidents of kidnapping and rural violence have increased in some border communities. Security agencies believe that strict control of movement at night will help reduce the chances of infiltration.
For now, the state police insist the ban and restrictions remain necessary and will continue until the security situation greatly improves. The Command says its goal is not to punish residents but to ensure that Kano remains safe.
Authorities are urging residents to obey the rules, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious behaviour. The police say safety is a shared responsibility and that the cooperation of the public is essential in keeping communities secure.
