Police ban tricycle operations during sallah, children’s day celebrations in Plateau
- +…Launch violent crimes response unit
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Plateau State Command, has banned the operation of commercial tricycles, popularly known as Keke-Napep, within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis during the Eid-el-Kabir and Children’s Day celebrations in the State.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Plateau State Command, has banned the operation of commercial tricycles, popularly known as Keke-Napep, within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis during the Eid-el-Kabir and Children’s Day celebrations in the State.
In a statement by Alfred Alabo, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Plateau State Command, which was made available to Journalists on Tuesday in Jos, said that the restriction would take effect on May 27 and 28, 2026, as part of measures to strengthen security and maintain public order during the festivities.
The Command said the ban became necessary to enable security operatives to identify and arrest criminal elements who might take advantage of the celebrations to cause tension in the state.
“The Command has placed a ban on the operation of commercial tricycles also known as Keke-Napep within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis on Sallah Day and the day after the celebration,” the Command stated.
The statement appealed to residents to comply with the directive, stressing that the measure was not intended to infringe on the rights of citizens but to guarantee a peaceful celebration across the state.
The Police assured residents that adequate deployment of personnel and operational assets had been made to major flashpoints and mosques within the metropolis to ensure safety before, during and after the celebrations.
The Police also urged religious leaders to encourage worshippers to observe prayers within mosques located in their communities, warning against outdoor prayers outside designated worship centres, while cautioning criminal elements to stay away from the state or face the full weight of the law.
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Police Command has also inaugurated a Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU) aimed at strengthening human rights-based policing and combating violent crimes across Plateau State.
Speaking with Journalists after the unveiling on Friday in Jos, Bassey Ewah, the Commissioner of Police, said the unit was established to respond swiftly and professionally to emerging security threats while ensuring compliance with internationally accepted human rights standards.
He explained that officers selected for the unit were chosen based on professionalism, integrity, operational competence and their experience in handling sensitive assignments.
“The establishment of the VCRU is aimed at enhancing operational efficiency in combating violent crimes while ensuring that policing activities are conducted within the framework of internationally accepted human rights standards,” he said.
Ewah also announced the establishment of a civilian oversight mechanism to monitor the activities of the unit and address complaints from members of the public where necessary.
The Police Commissioner warned officers of the unit against misconduct and abuse of office, stressing that all personnel remained subject to the provisions of the Police Act 2020 and other extant laws.
After the event, the Command also paraded six suspects arrested for alleged cattle rustling, theft, drug-related offences and illegal possession of firearms, while security operatives recovered locally fabricated rifles, revolver guns, a pump-action rifle, and live ammunition from the suspects.
