Army bans use of motorcycles in seven northern states forests

The Nigeria Army has banned the use of motorcycles in the forests of six of the seven States in the North West and Niger State.

The states affected are Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi and Kaduna, according to the spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Colonel Musa Sagir.

The Army warned that anyone caught violating the ban would be treated as a bandit or kidnapper.

Musa said the ban has become imperative given the fact bandits perpetrate their nefarious activities with the use of motorcycles.

A statement by Musa reads: “The Nigerian Army (NA) over time has observed the use of motorcycles by armed bandits, kidnappers, criminal elements and their collaborators as enablers to perpetrate their heinous crimes especially in the states within the north west geopolitical zone of the country.
“This informed the decision and directive to ban the use of motorcycles within the hinterland particularly around the Forests where the armed bandits, criminals and kidnappers hibernate and all around where troops are conducting operations alongside other security agencies.
“While this may cause some inconveniences to some law abiding citizens in the area, the need to use all means possible to stop the dastardly activities of these bandits across the North West part of Nigeria needs no emphasis.
“The general public, particularly in the North West and some parts of North Central in Nigeria where Ex HARBIN KUNAMA is ongoing are enjoined to bear with the NA as concerted efforts are being made to combat the insecurity menace ongoing within the area.
“In this wise, it is hereby reiterated that the use of motorcycles remain banned within the forest areas in KANO, KATSINA, ZAMFARA, SOKOTO, KADUNA, KEBBI and NIGER States.
“Anyone caught using motorcycles within the named areas will be taken for an armed bandit, criminal and kidnapper with dire consequences.
“The respective State Governments are enjoined to please disseminate the ban on the use of motorcycles in the named areas and enforce the ban in conjunction with the Security Agencies.”