The Bauchi State Police Command has revealed that it has begun enforcing restrictions on motorcycle and tricycle movement at night within the state capital as part of efforts to combat escalating insecurity.
Nafiu Habib, the Police Public Relations Officer, stated on Sunday that the enforcement was carried out in accordance with an executive order issued by the state government.
Habib added that the action was important to curb the rise in criminal activity carried out under cover of darkness.
He said, “The measure is expedient to ensure suppression of rising criminal activities under the cover of night, as security concerns continue to spill over in some parts of the state. The restriction on motorcycles commences at 8:00 p.m., while that on tricycles commences at 10:00 p.m.”
The police spokesman also addressed a viral video circulating on social media in which Ishak Abubakar, also known as “Major,” claimed that he was brutalized by police personnel and denied his basic rights.
Habib called the accusation “malicious, mischievous, and baseless,” adding that it was meant to mislead the public and undermine the command’s efforts.
According to him, the event took place on April 18, 2026, when officials from the Bauchi State Road Traffic Agency reported to the ‘A’ Divisional Police Headquarters that they had apprehended some violators of the Executive Order at the Wunti underpass during an enforcement operation.
He noted that the arrested individuals had contacted Abubakar, who later arrived at the scene and allegedly attacked the officials while accusing them of extortion and hurling insults at them.
“The suspect obstructed lawful duty, caused disturbance of public peace, attempted to incite unrest among motorcyclists and tricyclists, and interfered with the enforcement of the Executive Order,” Habib said.
He stated that after receiving a report, police reinforcements were dispatched to the location, resulting in the arrest of the suspect for further investigation.
While in jail, the police said that the suspect continued to act violently, beating his head and legs against the cell walls and bars, which was documented in the station log.
Habib went on to say that after the inquiry, the suspect was hauled before a magistrate’s court on April 20, 2026, on charges of obstruction, assault, and insulting public officers.
The command maintained that the charges of brutality were untrue and intended to discredit security agencies, emphasizing the importance of correcting what it called incorrect narratives spread by some blogs.
It also announced the formation of a special investigation team to thoroughly investigate the occurrence and confirm all facts in accordance with professional standards.
Meanwhile, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, the Commissioner of Police, issued a warning that the command would not allow any sort of lawlessness or attack on security officers.
He asked locals to obey the law and cooperate with security forces, warning that anybody who violated the Executive Order would face the full force of the law.
The leadership underlined its commitment to maintaining professionalism, responsibility, and public trust, while urging civilians to verify information through proper channels and dismiss unconfirmed allegations.
