In a move aimed at restoring sanity to its transport system, the Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State has rolled out a new set of rules for commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators—banning the use of face masks while on duty and tightening operational hours.
According to a statement issued by the council’s secretary, Hon. Raymond Overah, the decision was taken to enhance public safety, reduce crime, and ensure better traffic management across the local government.
The new directive, which takes effect 30 days from now, was shared with journalists in Warri on Tuesday. The council warned that enforcement would be strict once the grace period ends.
“The operating time for motorcycle riders is now fixed between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. daily. All okada riders must wear reflective vests with their assigned Area Code Numbers clearly displayed,” the statement said.
It also emphasized that any commercial motorcyclist caught wearing a face mask while operating would be arrested on the spot.
For tricycle operators, the local government fixed their operation hours between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. The council also directed that no passenger should board any tricycle without a visible and valid Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) Number boldly written on its body. Operators were further instructed to ensure that tricycle covers are properly tied, especially during the rainy season.
The council went on to warn that any rider or driver who flouts these orders would be detained for seven days. It also issued a strong message against theft within the council’s transport terminal, vowing that “any person caught stealing within the ATP premises shall be shot on sight.”
Local unions, operators, and residents were urged to comply fully with the new transport safety measures to maintain peace and security in the area.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Delta State Police Command has arrested four suspected armed robbers and drug peddlers in Asaba, the state capital.
Police spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the arrests in a statement released on Sunday. According to him, on October 1, 2025, officers from the B Division, led by CSP Edewor Akponegware, acted swiftly after receiving a distress call about an armed robbery near the BONSAAC area of Asaba.
He explained that two male suspects allegedly attacked a woman at gunpoint, but police operatives intercepted them following the alert, leading to the arrest of the suspects and recovery of stolen items.