As the restriction on the movement of commercial motorcycles and tricycles in Minna, the Niger State capital, enters its second week, residents and traders have decried the negative impact on their livelihoods and daily activities.
The state governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, had on Tuesday imposed a 6 pm to 6 am curfew on okada (motorcycles) and keke (tricycles) as part of new security measures to curb rising cases of thuggery, phone snatching, and robbery.
Minna and its surrounding areas have recently experienced a troubling surge in criminal activities, including street fights, phone snatching, and violent attacks, sparking growing concern among residents.
Communities such as Kpakungu, Soje A and B, Maitumbi, Barikin-Sale, Unguwan-Daji, Kwangila, Kateren-Gwari, Alagbado, Kutiriko, Gbeganu, Fadikpe, Limawa, Kuta Road, and parts of Bosso had become flashpoints for frequent clashes between rival youth gangs.
These violent confrontations often lead to widespread disruption—businesses are forced to shut down, movement is halted, and innocent individuals are left injured or, in some tragic cases, killed.
Despite the presence of several security agencies in Minna, including the 31 Artillery Brigade, the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force, the Police, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the state’s vigilante corps, residents say the violence persists unabated, leaving communities in a state of fear and uncertainty.
However, many residents said the curfew on commercial tricycles and motorcycles is affecting law-abiding citizens more than it is deterring criminals. They argue that rather than imposing a blanket restriction, security agencies should target the perpetrators directly.
A visit by Daily Trust correspondent to Gwadabe and Gwari markets, as well as Kure Ultra Modern Market, revealed that traders who previously closed between 6 pm and 7 pm now shut down as early as 4 pm due to transportation challenges.
Many rely solely on tricycles to transport themselves and their goods, and the restriction has left them stranded or forced to trek long distances.
We are losing customers – Traders
Madinat Hussaini, who sells tomatoes and pepper at Gwadabe market, said she trekked over 3kms to her home in Tungan-Goro on the third day of the restriction.
“Our peak sales are usually between 4 pm and 6 pm when customers come after the sun has gone down. Now we have to leave by 5 pm because there’s no way to get home,” she said.
Fati Mohammed, a yam seller who commutes from Gbada village in Bosso LGA, expressed similar concerns.
“We arrive by 10 am and used to close by 6 pm. Now we close by 5 pm, and if you delay, it’s a struggle to find transport. We just heard that the government has imposed a curfew from 6 pm to 6 am, we don’t know the reason because most of us come from villages to sell in Minna markets,” she said.
Habibu, a rice trader at Kure market, narrated how she once walked from the market to General Abdulsalami Quarters — about 2kms — due to lack of transport. “Evening is when most of our customers come. Now we close early and lose income,” she said.
Residents returning from nighttime journeys shared their ordeals. Baba Alhassan, who lives in Gbeganu, said he had to trek over 2kms from Kpakungu Roundabout after returning from Abuja at 8 pm.
He appealed to the government to explore other ways to address insecurity without subjecting the public to suffering.
Also, relaxation spots such as Democracy Garden, once bustling in the evenings, are now largely empty. Residents said many fun seekers relied on motorcycles and tricycles to access such centres after dark.
Relocate convicted miscreants, AG urges
Meanwhile, the Attorney General of Niger State, Nasiru Mu’azu, has called for the relocation of convicted miscreants from urban centres to help reduce urban crime.
During a meeting with the state Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, Mu’azu stressed the need for cooperation between law enforcement and the judiciary. He noted that family interference often hampers successful prosecution.
He also called for improved police investigations and better synergy in handling youth restiveness and thuggery.
Responding, CP Elleman reaffirmed the command’s commitment to enhancing investigations and strengthening its legal department, requesting training support from the Ministry.
Thuggery reduced but night robberies reported in Minna
Residents of Minna, the Niger State capital, have acknowledged a noticeable reduction in thuggery since the state government restricted commercial motorcycles and tricycles.
However, they have raised concerns over a spike in robbery attacks, particularly around the Muhammad Inuwa Wushishi Housing Estate.
Some residents of the estate, whose homes were targeted on Monday night, told Daily Trust that the attacks occurred around 2 am and would have resulted in greater harm were it not for the swift intervention of local vigilantes.
One of the residents, Mrs. Asabe Tsonfada, described the experience as terrifying. She said they had to reach out to relatives living outside the estate, who then contacted security operatives for assistance.
“It was only by the grace of God and the help of vigilant youths that we were able to prevent the robbers from doing worse damage,” she said.
56 tricycles, 94 motorcycles impounded in 4 days
As part of enforcement of the 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew on the operation of commercial motorcycles and tricycles, police authorities in Minna have impounded 56 tricycles and 94 motorcycles over four days.
Spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the enforcement activities during an interview with Daily Trust.
He noted that the operation began on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, and remains ongoing.
“As of Saturday, April 26, we have impounded 56 tricycles and 94 motorcycles. While private motorcycles are exempt from the restriction, we have noticed that some individuals are using Jincheng motorcycles for commercial purposes at night,” Abiodun stated.
He further explained that any private motorcyclist unable to credibly identify himself as a staff member of an organisation or present a valid reason for being out at night risks having their motorcycle confiscated.
The police spokesman appealed to motorcyclists and tricyclists to abide by the restriction order, emphasising that the measure is already producing results.
“Crime rates have dropped significantly in Minna since the enforcement began,” he added.
He stated that dozens of suspects had been arrested in connection with the recent unrest in the state capital, assuring the public that investigations are ongoing and reaffirming the police’s commitment to restoring peace and security in the affected areas.
Govt appeals for patience
Meanwhile, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, has called on residents to exercise patience, noting that the government is aware of the inconveniences caused by the curfew.
He said while there is no fixed date yet for lifting the restriction, the measure has contributed meaningfully to improving the security situation in the city.
“The restriction became necessary due to the increasing rate of thuggery and other related crimes. We urge residents to bear with the government as efforts to restore lasting peace continue,” he said.
