By Muslimat Itopa
The Kogi State Government’s initiative to enhance security through the introduction of compulsory identification jackets for commercial motorcyclists (popularly known as Okada riders) is set to enter its implementation phase on June 8, 2026.
It will be recalled that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo officially unveiled the security jackets on May 6, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen security, improve identification of commercial motorcycle operators, and curb criminal activities across the state.
Speaking in an interview on the development, the State Secretary of the Motorcycle Operators Union of Nigeria (MOUN), Kogi State Chapter, Comrade Sede Adeniyi Solomon, commended Governor Ododo for entrusting the distribution and management of the security jackets to the leadership of the union.
According to him, the union has already commenced the distribution of the jackets across the state’s 21 local government areas ahead of the official commencement date.
“We sincerely appreciate His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for this initiative and for entrusting the responsibility to the executive members of the union. The jackets were unveiled on May 6, and we have begun distribution across the local governments. So far, Lokoja, Adavi and Ajaokuta Local Government Areas have received part of their allocations,” he said.
Comrade Solomon explained that all commercial motorcyclists in the state are expected to comply with the directive by wearing the designated security jackets while carrying out their daily operations from June 8.
He noted that the jackets have been colour-coded according to the state’s three senatorial districts to facilitate easy identification.
Under the arrangement, riders operating in Kogi West Senatorial District will wear blue jackets, those in Kogi Central will wear yellow jackets, while operators in Kogi East will wear wine-coloured jackets.
“The use of these jackets is now mandatory for every commercial motorcycle operator in Kogi State. Any rider operating without the approved security jacket will be considered to be acting contrary to government directives,” he stated.
The union secretary urged residents and passengers to cooperate with the initiative by patronising only riders who wear the approved jackets.
He advised commuters to carefully check the identification details displayed on the jackets, particularly the unique security code and registration number printed on the back.
“The purpose of this programme is to help identify genuine commercial motorcycle operators, improve data collection and strengthen security monitoring. We appeal to members of the public not to board motorcycles operated by riders who are not wearing the approved security jackets,” he said.
According to him, passengers should take note of the rider’s identification number and jacket colour whenever they use commercial motorcycles, as the information could assist security agencies in the event of an incident or investigation.
While sensitization and distribution continue across the state, Comrade Solomon disclosed that full enforcement of the policy will commence on July 1, 2026.
He revealed that the Commissioner of Police has already directed Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Area Commanders across the 21 local government areas to prepare for enforcement.
“From July 1, any rider found operating without the approved security jacket will be apprehended by law enforcement agencies. We are currently intensifying sensitization efforts and encouraging all riders to obtain their jackets through their respective union branches,” he explained.
Addressing concerns about possible duplication of the jackets, Solomon assured residents that the system contains several security features designed to prevent forgery.
He explained that each jacket carries a unique digital security code linked to an online database, while every registered rider is issued an identification card containing matching details.
According to him, law enforcement officers can verify a rider’s identity by comparing the information on the jacket with the data on the identification card.
“The jackets cannot be duplicated because every security code is digitally registered and traceable. The information on the rider’s ID card must correspond with the details on the jacket. Anyone found using a forged jacket or presenting conflicting information will be treated as operating illegally and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he warned.
He further noted that jackets are non-transferable and location-specific. A jacket registered to a rider in one local government area cannot be transferred to another rider or used for commercial operations in a different part of the state.
For instance, jackets assigned to operators in Lokoja cannot be used in Kaba, while those registered in Okene cannot be used for operations in Kogi West.
The union appealed to residents across the state to support the government’s security initiative by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities.
Comrade Solomon reiterated that the success of the programme depends not only on compliance by riders but also on cooperation from passengers and the wider public.
He expressed optimism that the initiative would significantly improve the identification of commercial motorcyclists, reduce criminal infiltration of the sector, and contribute to the state’s broader security architecture.
The security jacket programme is one of several measures introduced by the Kogi State Government to tackle insecurity and enhance public safety across the state.
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