The Plateau State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity with the arrest of 15 suspected criminals who were allegedly disguising themselves as commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as “okada” riders. The arrests were carried out across multiple locations in the state following credible intelligence reports about the activities of a gang believed to have infiltrated legitimate motorcycle operators.
The suspects, according to the police, were using face masks and other disguises to blend in with real okada riders while allegedly carrying out criminal activities, including surveillance, robbery, and targeted attacks. Their arrest comes weeks after the Plateau State Government officially banned all commercial motorcycle operations as part of its broader plan to strengthen security.
The development was announced in a statement issued on Monday by the Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo. He explained that the security operation was based on intelligence reports indicating the presence of “criminal-minded individuals” who recently migrated into the state with suspicious motives.
Plateau State has been battling pockets of insecurity linked to banditry, armed robbery, and communal clashes. In an attempt to curb these threats, the state government recently imposed a total ban on the activities of commercial motorcyclists. Authorities said the ban became necessary after reports showed that criminals were increasingly using motorcycles to escape crime scenes or launch surprise attacks.
The ban, however, also created room for disguised criminals to operate under the cover of okada riding, prompting the police to intensify intelligence gathering and launch targeted raids across the state.
According to SP Alabo, the police acted swiftly upon receiving intelligence that a group of individuals matching the description of a “notorious criminal gang” had entered the state. This group, he said, was known for posing as commercial motorcyclists in order to evade suspicion.
In his statement, SP Alabo warned that anyone who migrated into Plateau State with criminal intentions should leave immediately. He said the command is conducting a massive manhunt and will not tolerate any threat to the safety of residents.
“We wish to warn those who migrated from other States of the Federation to Plateau with ulterior motives to abort their evil plans and immediately leave the State,” he said. “We will not hesitate to take the full wrath of the law against anyone found to be involved in any criminal activity.”
He explained that the arrest of the 15 suspects was only the beginning, as the operation is ongoing and more arrests are expected. The police said they are committed to restoring peace and ensuring compliance with the state government’s directives.
SP Alabo confirmed that the arrested suspects are currently in custody and undergoing detailed interrogation. He said investigations are still in progress, and the suspects will be charged to court once the process is complete.
The PPRO did not disclose the identities of the suspects or the specific crimes they are accused of committing, explaining that doing so could jeopardize ongoing investigations. He, however, assured the public that the police are working diligently to establish the full scope of the suspects’ activities and connections.
The Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, also appealed to residents to support security agencies by providing timely and useful information. He said community cooperation is essential for tackling insecurity and preventing criminal groups from gaining a foothold in the state.
“We appeal to members of the public to cooperate with the Police by providing useful and timely information that will lead to the apprehension of these criminals,” the commissioner said.
He assured the public that information shared with the command would be treated confidentially. “We assure you that your identity will be protected, and together, we can make Plateau State a safer place for all,” he added.
Plateau State has experienced recurring security challenges over the years, including clashes between farmers and herders, attacks on rural communities, highway robberies, and activities of bandit groups. These challenges have forced the government and security agencies to take stronger measures to maintain public safety.
The recent increase in intelligence-led operations and targeted security raids reflects a new approach by the police, who now prioritize early intervention to prevent major incidents. Analysts believe this approach is necessary, given the evolving tactics used by criminals to evade law enforcement.
The use of motorcycles in criminal operations is not new in Nigeria. Across several states, motorcycles have been linked to robberies, kidnap attempts, and the movement of armed groups. This has led many state governments, including Lagos, Rivers, Kaduna, and Anambra, to impose partial or total bans on commercial motorcyclists.
Although such bans often affect residents who rely on motorcycles for daily transportation, security experts argue that the measure is justified in areas where criminals have exploited the okada system to carry out violent crimes.
For residents of Plateau State, the arrest of the 15 suspects may bring some relief in the face of persistent insecurity. Community leaders in several local government areas have previously raised concerns about unknown individuals operating motorcycles under suspicious circumstances, especially during early mornings and late evenings.
While the police have not confirmed whether the suspects are connected to any recent attacks or robberies, the operation suggests that security agencies are paying closer attention to patterns of movement and unusual activities across the state.
