Close to 2000 bikes have already been ceased in Garoua in four days by security forces assisting the communes in this operation.

Municipal authorities in the regional capital of the North launched an operation for the seizure of motorbikes of owners who did not respect the rules. The operation started since August 24, 2015

In addition to the documents required to carry out the activity of a motorcycle-taxi driver, operators in this sector are now required to wear orange jumpers with an identification number assigned by the city where they wish to work. "We have ceased close to 2000 motorcycles as at now.''

“The owners come gradually to retrieve them by complying with the regulations in force, but it should be noted that there is still much to be done, because with more than 5000 motorcycle taxis in the city, only a little more than 2000 are in good shape," noted Mohamadou Awalou, communal service at the commune in the Garoua 1 district.

On September 5, the sub-prefects of Garoua 1st and 2nd, who were accompanied by the forces of law enforcement, municipal authorities and customs, descended on the ground to accentuate this campaign.

During their descent, several motorcycle-taxi drivers who found shelter at the hall of the Garoua post due to heavy rains were met surprised. As a result, more than 400 motorcycles were immediately seized and transported to the municipal of the 2nd town of Garoua. "They took us by surprise. There was no way to escape them.

They broke into the lobby and secured all the sides. All the bikers who did not meet up with the regulations had their motorbikes seized. It included all the motorcycle taxi drivers who did not wear the required uniformed. The sub-prefects also got hold of motorcycle drivers who passed by the hall," said Abdourahman, a motor-taxi man in Garoua.

According to the authorities, the operation was simply to identify all the motorcycle taxi men in Garoua, in order to ensure conditions of security. "Cases of aggression are recorded almost every day. And most often fingers are pointed at these motorcycle taxis drivers.

Generally, those who commit assaults do not have identification numbers which can enable us trace them. The measures we have taken will allow not only a good follow-up of the activities of this sector but to clean it up completely.

At the moment where the security situation is delicate and especially as many offenders use motorbikes to do their dirty works, we believe that it is essential that the area be cleaned up", said a municipal officer who is also a member of the team responsible for the clearing operation.