In a bid to bolster public safety, streamline transportation management, and curb criminal activities, the Sapele Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State has rolled out a comprehensive set of operational guidelines targeting commercial motorcycle (okada) and tricycle (keke) operators. The new regulations, announced on Tuesday, October 2, 2025, include a notable prohibition on the use of face masks by operators while on duty, reflecting the council’s commitment to enhancing security and transparency in the transport sector. These measures, set to take effect 30 days from the announcement, aim to address longstanding concerns about safety, compliance, and order within the local government area.
The directive, detailed in a statement signed by Hon. Raymond Overah, Secretary of the Sapele Local Government Council, was made available to journalists in Warri. It outlines specific operational hours, mandatory identification protocols, and strict penalties for non-compliance, signaling a robust approach to regulating the activities of okada and keke operators. The council emphasized that these measures were designed not only to improve the efficiency of transportation services but also to safeguard residents and reduce the incidence of crimes often associated with unregulated transport operations.
Operational Guidelines for Okada Riders
For commercial motorcycle operators, the new rules impose a restricted operational window from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. This time restriction aims to minimize the risks associated with late-night operations, which have been linked to criminal activities in some areas. Additionally, all okada riders are now required to wear reflective vests clearly marked with an Area Code Number. This measure ensures that riders are easily identifiable, facilitating accountability and enabling law enforcement to monitor compliance effectively.
One of the most striking provisions in the directive is the outright ban on face masks for okada riders while on duty. The council’s statement explicitly warns that any rider found wearing a face mask will face immediate arrest. This rule is likely a response to concerns that face masks could be used to conceal identities during criminal activities, such as robberies, which have been a recurring issue in some parts of Delta State. By prohibiting face masks, the council aims to enhance transparency and reduce the potential for operators to engage in or be mistaken for criminal elements.
Regulations for Keke Operators
Tricycle operators, commonly referred to as keke drivers, are also subject to a tailored set of regulations under the new guidelines. Their operational hours are set between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., allowing for slightly longer operating times compared to okada riders, likely due to the relatively safer nature of tricycle transport. A key requirement for keke operators is the mandatory display of a visible and valid Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) Number on the body of their tricycles. This measure ensures that only registered and roadworthy vehicles are in operation, enhancing passenger safety and regulatory oversight.
The council has also introduced a rule prohibiting passengers from boarding any tricycle that does not display a valid VIO Number. This places a shared responsibility on both operators and passengers to ensure compliance with the new regulations. Furthermore, the directive mandates that keke covers must be properly secured, particularly during rainfall, to prevent hazards such as impaired visibility or mechanical issues that could endanger passengers and other road users.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
To enforce these guidelines, the Sapele Local Government has introduced stringent penalties for violators. Operators who fail to adhere to the stipulated rules face a seven-day detention, a measure intended to deter non-compliance and underscore the council’s commitment to maintaining order. The council’s statement also includes a stark warning against criminal activities, particularly theft, within the premises of the Area Transport Park (ATP). In a particularly severe pronouncement, the council declared that anyone caught stealing within the ATP premises would be “shot on sight,” signaling a zero-tolerance approach to crime in the transport sector.
This hardline stance has sparked mixed reactions. While some residents may view it as a necessary deterrent in light of rising criminal activities, others may question the legality and proportionality of such a measure. The council has urged all transport unions, riders, and residents to fully comply with the new directives to avoid penalties and ensure a safer environment for all.
Broader Context: Security Concerns in Delta State
The introduction of these guidelines comes amid heightened security concerns in Delta State, where incidents of robbery and other crimes have been reported. In a related development, the Delta State Police Command recently arrested four suspected armed robbers and drug peddlers in Asaba, the state capital, following a robbery incident on October 1, 2025. According to SP Bright Edafe, the command’s spokesperson, the arrests were made possible through a swift response by the surveillance team led by CSP Edewor Akponegware, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of B Division Asaba.
The robbery incident occurred in the BONSAAC area of Asaba, where a female victim was robbed at gunpoint by two male suspects. The police operation underscores the broader challenges of maintaining security in urban centers like Asaba and Sapele, where transport hubs often serve as hotspots for criminal activities. Edafe noted that investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the probe, highlighting the police’s commitment to addressing crime in the state.
Implications and Community Response
The Sapele LGA’s new guidelines reflect a proactive effort to regulate the transport sector, which plays a critical role in the daily lives of residents. By imposing clear rules and penalties, the council aims to create a safer and more organized transport system, which could have positive ripple effects on the local economy and public safety. The ban on face masks, in particular, is a bold move that aligns with broader security objectives, though it may require careful implementation to avoid infringing on legitimate uses of face coverings, such as for health or weather-related reasons.
Transport unions and operators are now tasked with ensuring compliance within the 30-day grace period before the rules take effect. This period provides an opportunity for sensitization and preparation, allowing operators to acquire reflective vests, update VIO registrations, and adapt to the new operational hours. Community engagement will be crucial to the success of these measures, as public cooperation is essential for effective implementation.
For residents, the guidelines offer a sense of reassurance that the local government is taking steps to address safety concerns. However, the success of these measures will depend on consistent enforcement, collaboration with law enforcement agencies, and ongoing dialogue with transport operators and unions. The council’s warning about severe penalties, including the controversial “shoot on sight” directive, may also prompt discussions about balancing security with human rights considerations.
Conclusion
The Sapele Local Government’s new operational guidelines for okada and keke operators mark a significant step toward improving transportation management and public safety in the area. By setting clear rules, such as restricted operating hours, mandatory identification, and a ban on face masks, the council aims to create a more transparent and secure transport system. The accompanying penalties underscore the seriousness of the council’s intent to enforce compliance, though the extreme measures proposed for theft may raise ethical and legal questions.
As Delta State grapples with broader security challenges, as evidenced by recent arrests in Asaba, the Sapele LGA’s initiative reflects a localized effort to address these issues within the transport sector. The coming months will be critical in determining the effectiveness of these guidelines and their impact on the safety and well-being of Sapele’s residents. For now, operators and residents alike are urged to prepare for the changes and work collaboratively to ensure a smoother, safer transportation landscape in the Sapele Local Government Area.
