By: Felix Ikpotor
The Rivers State Police Command has reiterated its earlier restriction placed on the movement of trycicles and motorcycles within the state.
The state Police Command in a statement by its public relations officer, Blessing Agabe said trycicles popularly known as Keke-NAPEP are restricted to end operations by 10.00pm statewide.
Agabe, an assistant inspector of police said the restriction became necessary to curb the increasing cases of one chance operators.
She said: “The Command wishes to remind members of the public that the existing restriction on the movement of tricycles from 10:00 pm remains fully in force across the State. Operators and owners are strongly advised to comply strictly with this directive.”
”This enforcement takes immediate effect as part of intensified efforts to curb the growing menace of “one-chance” robberies, abductions, and other violent crimes in Rivers State, with a stern warning that any individual or group found involved in such criminal activities will be decisively dealt with in accordance with the law”.
She added that in furtherance to the Command’s proactive crime prevention strategy, the State Cimmissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju has also directed the implementation of some security measures which will take effect from 18th May, 2026.
According to her, no commercial Keke-bus should be fitted with tinted glass or covered in any manner capable of concealing the identity of passengers or occupants. Any commercial keke-bus found violating the directive will be impounded, while the operator will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.
”The covering, alteration, driving without plate number or concealment of vehicle plate numbers is strictly prohibited. The Commissioner of Police has directed the arrest of offenders without hesitation.
”The use of unregistered vehicles within the State is prohibited and will no longer be tolerated. Owners and operators of such vehicles are advised to regularize their documentation without delay, ” the statement read.
The Command further emphasized the importance of collaboration of local security outfits, community stakeholders with the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) within their respective jurisdictions to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve coordinated responses and enhance public safety across the State.
Dishing out other safety tips, the Command urged residents to avoid boarding tricycles, motorcycles, or vehicles from isolated or poorly lit locations, especially at night, adviding them to be cautious of vehicles carrying suspicious or unusually aggressive occupants amongst others.
She stated that the Command remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging all residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies in the collective fight against crime and criminality.
