The Borno State Government has clarified that the ban on the use of motorcycles in the state remains in force, despite the recent unveiling of 3,000 electric bikes by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Maiduguri.
Senior Technical Assistant to Gov. Babagana Zulum on Print and Digital Communications, Honorable Abdulrahman Ahmed Bundi, made the clarification while responding to public concerns over the apparent contradiction between the inauguration of the electric bikes and the existing restriction on motorcycle operations.
Bundi said the unveiling of the electric bikes by the President did not amount to a lifting of the ban, stressing that the matter was strictly a security issue being managed by relevant authorities.
“This is a police issue. If the police have confirmed that the ban on motorcycles is still ongoing, then that remains the position of the state government,” he said.
He explained that any review or change to the ban would be officially communicated to the public through appropriate channels.
Also speaking, the Borno State Police Command reaffirmed that the prohibition on motorcycles, including electric and petrol-powered bikes, was still being enforced across the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, said the ban, which was introduced as part of security measures approved by the Borno State Security Council, had not been lifted.
“The command has observed violations of the motorcycle ban, especially with the use of electric bikes. We wish to reiterate that the ban is still in force. Anyone found using electric or petrol-powered motorcycles will be arrested,” Daso said.
He added that filling stations had also been warned against selling petrol to motorcyclists, noting that defaulters would be sanctioned.
The clarification followed growing public confusion after President Tinubu, during a state visit, inaugurated a fleet of electric vehicles, including 3,000 bikes, 500 tricycles, 100 cars and 20 buses, as part of efforts to improve transportation and mobility in the state.
Many residents had taken to social media and public discussions to question who would use the electric bikes under the current ban, prompting calls for an official explanation.
Authorities, however, maintained that until a formal announcement is made, the motorcycle ban imposed for security reasons remains unchanged.
