December 22, 2025
News | SUNTV Global Channel
Residents of Borno State have expressed widespread confusion following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commissioning of 3,000 electric motorcycles in the state, despite a standing ban on the use of motorcycles imposed on security grounds.
President Tinubu unveiled the electric vehicles on Saturday during an official state visit to Borno, describing the initiative as a major boost to transportation and rural mobility.
According to official figures, the fleet commissioned includes 3,000 electric bikes, 500 tricycles, 100 cars, and 20 42-seater buses, alongside multiple charging terminals installed across the state.
Speaking at the event, Tinubu praised Governor Babagana Zulum and the people of Borno for embracing alternative transportation solutions.
“The electric vehicles, the tricycles, and the charging terminals in their thousands ease the problems of mobility and transportation economy,” the President said.
Ban Still In Force — Police
However, the commissioning has sparked public concern because the Borno State motorcycle ban remains officially in force.
Recall that on July 25, 2024, the Borno State Police Command reaffirmed the prohibition on the use of motorcycles — including both petrol-powered and electric bikes — following a decision by the Borno State Security Council, citing security threats linked to insurgency and criminal activity.
At the time, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, warned that violators would be arrested.
“Any person found in possession of electric or petrol-powered motorbikes will be arrested for violating the order,” Daso said.
Fuel stations were also warned against selling petrol to motorcyclists, with the police threatening sanctions and prosecution for defaulters.
Amid the controversy surrounding the commissioning, ASP Daso confirmed on Monday that the ban has not been lifted.
“As of now, the status quo remains. The enforcement of the ban on electric and petrol-powered bikes continues. It was an executive order from the governor, and it has not been changed,” he told PUNCH.
Government Confirms No Policy Change
Similarly, the Senior Technical Assistant to the Governor on Print and Digital Communications, Abdulrahman Bundi, said the policy remains unchanged.
“This is a police issue. If the police confirm that the ban is still ongoing, then that is our position. It means the ban is still in force,” Bundi said.
Residents Demand Clarification
The mixed signals have triggered reactions from residents across Maiduguri and surrounding communities, many of whom are demanding an official clarification from the state government.
A resident of Polo, Ibrahim Hassan, questioned the rationale behind the move.
“How will you commission 3,000 motorbikes that are banned? Who will use them, or are they keeping them until the ban is lifted? The government should clarify so people will know whether to invest their money or not,” he said.
Another resident, Alkali Adamu, described the situation as confusing.
“A few months ago, the governor banned electric bikes in Maiduguri. Now the President commissions electric bikes. Who is expected to use them? Does this mean the ban has been lifted?” he asked.
While some residents welcomed the initiative, they also insisted that clarity is urgently needed.
Umar Aminu, a Maiduguri resident, said the project was commendable but poorly communicated.
“We appreciate the governor for the projects, especially the electric bikes. But we need to know whether only certain people will use them or if the ban has been lifted so ordinary citizens can also buy them,” he said.
Public Uncertainty Grows
As of Monday evening, no official statement has been issued to reconcile the apparent contradiction between the commissioning of the electric bikes and the existing security directive banning motorcycles.
For many residents, the situation has once again highlighted concerns about policy coordination and public communication in a state still grappling with fragile security conditions.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more details emerge.
