Insecurity: Enugu LGA Profiles Motorcycle Operators

A mandatory profiling of motorcycle operators has been launched in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State aimed at ensuring adequate security of lives and property in the area.

The council Chairman, Mr Jude Asogwa, stated this when he inaugurated Nsukka LGA Committee on Profiling and Identification of Motorcycle Transport Association Members for Security Reasons. The launch took place at Adada House, with stakeholders from transport, security, and community sectors in attendance.

He said the initiative was designed to promote accountability, curb criminal infiltration, and safeguard residents by ensuring proper identification of motorcycle transport operators across the LGA. Asogwa charged the committee to be diligent, transparent and committed to the exercise.

He stated that, “Effective profiling is vital to building trust and maintaining public safety. The event marks a significant step in Nsukka’s ongoing efforts to foster a secure and orderly transport environment.”

The five-man committee is headed by Mr John Eze, a former Supervisor for Works in the local government, with Mr Ejike Okpe as secretary. Mr Eze, on behalf of the committee, pledged to discharge their duties with uttermost dedication.

Meanwhile, all motorcycle transport operators in the LGA have been ordered to obtain their respective official identification numbers and approved aprons within the provided grace period. The committee chairman stated that, “The profiling and identification will begin on Monday, 26th January 2026, to end on Thursday, the 26th of February, 2026. After the grace period, full enforcement will commence, and defaulters will face sanctions.”

He told THE WHISTLER that the measure was to enable easy identification of motorcycle riders by their passengers and intelligence operatives.

According to him, “They will wear aprons that have numbers both front and back. So with the numbers, the operators are known. Miscreants will also know that our LGA is a no-go-area. We realise that some miscreants hide under the umbrella of commercial motorcycle operators to perpetuate evil activities. We are aware that some of them are fleeing from neighbouring states, like Benue and Kogi, and who knows their destination?

“Every motorcycle operator will be profiled. Those that refuse to be profiled will surely realise that they won’t be able to operate in Nsukka LGA. We shall in the process of profiling them get their phone numbers, names and where they reside, as well as the particulars of their motorcycles to ensure that they were not stolen from other states.”

Meanwhile, some motorcycle operators have reacted to the launch. Simon Ikpa, a teacher, said, “I want the profiling to be for every motorcycle owner. Nowadays, some people operate commercially in disguise. It is a welcome development so far the authorities will not use it to exploit the operators. They did not state if the exercise involves any charge. Before you know it, they will say ‘buy this and buy that’. We beg them to make it free of charge.”

Onyema Ossai is a commercial motorcycle operator. He said, “It is a good development. It will bring about security because we will know ourselves through our numbers. We also beg the authorities to protect Okada riders. We are also victims of these criminals. At times, they hire us to remote areas and molest us and carry our machines. The profiling is very good. I advise other LGAs to emulate same because hoodlums operate inter-LGAs.”