Fresh security concerns as armed robbery surges in Taraba capital
Residents of Jalingo Raise Concerns Over Rise in Armed Robbery Amid Motorcycle Ban
JALINGO, Taraba State — Despite an ongoing ban on commercial motorcycles, residents of Jalingo, the state capital, are expressing growing alarm over a resurgence of armed robbery and other violent crimes facilitated by these vehicles.
The increase in insecurity has particularly unsettled communities along the ATC-Roadblock corridor, Nukkai, Nya’ma Salla, and Mallam Jo’da. Victims report that armed robbers have repeatedly targeted homes under the cover of darkness, using motorcycles to carry out their attacks and evade capture.
This latest wave of crime adds to existing security challenges in Taraba State, where residents continue to face issues such as kidnapping, banditry, and communal violence.
The use of motorcycles was banned in Jalingo in 2012 by the late Governor Danbaba Suntai’s administration following a series of bombings linked to the Boko Haram insurgency. In response to the attacks, which utilized motorcycles to transport explosive devices, the Taraba State House of Assembly enacted legislation prohibiting motorcycle operations within the city.
Although enforcement of this ban has fluctuated with different administrations, Governor Agbu Kefas reaffirmed the ban in January 2024 and established a special task force to ensure compliance and prosecute violators. Despite this, motorcycles have made a noticeable return to the streets, with many residents attributing their resurgence to the recent removal of fuel subsidies by the Federal Government, which has raised transportation costs and made motorcycles an appealing alternative.
Security analysts warn that the illegal presence of motorcycles is offering criminals a quick means of executing attacks and fleeing from law enforcement.
Residents of Nukkai, especially along the ATC-Roadblock corridor, have reported several instances of armed robbery in recent weeks. According to victims, robbers typically travel in groups on multiple motorcycles, each carrying up to three individuals.
A victim named Joseph Nkowanta described the robbers’ methods. “They arrive in large numbers on several motorcycles,” he said. “They divide themselves into groups, with some staying on the motorcycles while others enter homes to rob residents.”
Another victim, identified as Madam Ferico, recounted a traumatic experience from June 30, 2026, when armed robbers invaded her home around midnight. She said they forced her into her bedroom, used a point-of-sale machine to withdraw money from her bank account, and stole her phone.
The frequency of such attacks has left many families living in fear, prompting residents to adopt self-defense measures at night.
Beyond Nukkai, there are claims that youths operating motorcycles in areas like Nya’ma Salla and Mallam Jo’da are involved in a range of criminal activities, including armed robbery and gang violence.
In response to rising concerns, community members are urging security agencies to enhance surveillance and strictly enforce the existing motorcycle ban.
The spokesperson for the Taraba State Police Command, ASP Victor Msherizar, confirmed the command’s awareness of recent security challenges in Jalingo and other areas. “The ban on motorcycles is still in place, and we are operationally ready to address violations,” he stated. He also encouraged residents to provide useful information to assist in security efforts.
Investigations have shown that motorcycles continue to operate openly across Jalingo. While police checkpoints are in place to stop and arrest violators, community members express frustration that many offenders are quickly released, thus undermining efforts to enforce the ban effectively.
Residents believe that stronger prosecution of offenders and consistent enforcement of the motorcycle ban are critical in tackling the rising wave of armed robbery. As insecurity poses a serious threat to community safety, residents are calling on the state government and local leaders to implement effective strategies to restore public safety.
Without immediate action to curb the illegal use of motorcycles and dismantle criminal networks, residents fear that armed robbery and related crimes may continue to escalate, further jeopardizing lives and undermining trust in the state’s security apparatus.