Ahead of 2027 Elections, Isoko South Bans Night Okada to Curb Insecurity

Isoko South Local Government Council has banned commercial motorcycles, known as Okada, from operating between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. daily across the council area from October 1, 2026.

The ban, announced Thursday by Chairman Friday Ovoke Warri in a letter, is part of security measures to protect lives and property ahead of the 2027 general elections and yuletide season.

The directive followed a security meeting held Wednesday, September 16, 2026, where the Okada Riders Association, Isoko South, was formally notified of the new operating hours.

The letter reads, “is part of proactive security measures adopted by the council to strengthen public safety and protect lives and property, particularly ahead of the forthcoming general elections and the Yuletide season.

“The Motorcycle (Okada) Riders Association, Isoko South, was formally notified of the new operating hours. The decision followed a security meeting convened by the council on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, where security concerns and measures to further safeguard residents were discussed.

“Under the new directive, all commercial motorcycle operators within the affected areas are required to suspend operations from 10:00 p.m. daily and resume at 6:00 a.m.

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“All affected operators and residents to fully comply with the directive as the measure is aimed at supporting ongoing efforts to maintain peace, security and public order across Isoko South.

The council also appealed to all stakeholders to cooperate with security agencies and the local government in ensuring a safe and peaceful environment throughout the period.

The council noted that among other things, Warri’s administration has security as one of its priority to ensure the safety and security of residents, as the restriction was a preventive measure designed to support the efforts of security agencies in maintaining peace and public order.

The letter however urged commercial motorcycle operators to cooperate with the council and comply with the stipulated operating hours, noting that the directive was not intended to unnecessarily inconvenience legitimate operators but to address identified security concerns during the specified period.

It called on residents, community leaders and other stakeholders to support the council and security agencies by providing useful information and cooperating with measures aimed at protecting lives and property.

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