Inside Edo
Concerns over potential misuse, maintenance of Okpebholo's 300 bikes to security agencies
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
04 Sep 2025 08:04 AM
Benin, Edo – The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday commissioned and donated over 300 motorbikes to security agencies across the state’s three senatorial districts, fulfilling a key campaign promise to bolster security operations.
The ceremony, held at the Government House in Benin City, was attended by top security and government officials, including Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, Commander of the 4th Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Oduyebo, and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gani Audu.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the motorbikes are specifically designed to navigate hard-to-reach terrains, particularly forested areas where criminal elements, such as kidnappers, often hide.
“We promised our people during the campaign that we would fight insecurity and restore peace to every part of Edo State. Today, we are fulfilling that promise,” Okpebholo declared, underscoring his administration’s zero-tolerance policy toward crime.
CP Agbonika hailed the initiative as a “new dawn” for Edo’s security efforts, noting that the motorbikes would enhance rapid response and tactical operations in combating forest-based crimes like kidnapping.
“The days of impunity are over,” he stated, urging residents to support security agencies with credible information.
However, while the donation has been widely praised, concerns have emerged regarding the potential misuse of the motorbikes and their long-term maintenance.
Security analysts and local observers have pointed to historical challenges in Nigeria, where government-provided assets, including vehicles and motorbikes, have sometimes been diverted for personal use by security personnel or their associates.
For instance, there have been reports in other states of police or vigilante groups using operational vehicles for private errands, such as transporting goods or running personal businesses, which could undermine the intended purpose of enhancing security patrols in Edo’s rural and forested areas.
The motorbikes, designed for rugged terrains, require regular maintenance to remain functional, especially given the harsh conditions of forest trails and rural roads.
Experts warn that without a robust maintenance plan, the bikes could quickly fall into disrepair, rendering the initiative ineffective.
Previous administrations in Edo and other states have faced criticism for failing to sustain equipment provided to security agencies.
For example, in 2021, former Governor Godwin Obaseki donated 50 patrol vehicles and 60 motorbikes to security agencies, but reports later suggested that some of these assets were underutilized or poorly maintained due to inadequate funding for upkeep.
To address these concerns, Governor Okpebholo’s administration would need to implement strict oversight mechanisms to ensure the motorbikes are used exclusively for security operations.
This could include tracking systems, regular audits, and clear guidelines prohibiting personal use.
Additionally, a dedicated budget for fuel, spare parts, and routine servicing is critical to maintaining the motorbikes’ operational readiness.
The Commissioner of Police has called for community support in monitoring the use of these assets, suggesting that public vigilance could help deter misuse.
The donation of the motorbikes marks a significant step in Governor Okpebholo’s broader security strategy, which includes the recovery of over 3,500 illegal firearms and the procurement of 75 Toyota Hilux vehicles for security agencies within his first 100 days in office.
However, the success of this initiative will hinge on addressing the dual challenges of preventing personal misuse and ensuring proper maintenance.
As Edo residents await the rollout of enhanced security operations, stakeholders are urging the government to establish transparent systems to safeguard the integrity and longevity of this critical investment in public safety.
The ceremony, held at the Government House in Benin City, was attended by top security and government officials, including Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, Commander of the 4th Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Oduyebo, and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gani Audu.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the motorbikes are specifically designed to navigate hard-to-reach terrains, particularly forested areas where criminal elements, such as kidnappers, often hide.
“We promised our people during the campaign that we would fight insecurity and restore peace to every part of Edo State. Today, we are fulfilling that promise,” Okpebholo declared, underscoring his administration’s zero-tolerance policy toward crime.
CP Agbonika hailed the initiative as a “new dawn” for Edo’s security efforts, noting that the motorbikes would enhance rapid response and tactical operations in combating forest-based crimes like kidnapping.
“The days of impunity are over,” he stated, urging residents to support security agencies with credible information.
However, while the donation has been widely praised, concerns have emerged regarding the potential misuse of the motorbikes and their long-term maintenance.
Security analysts and local observers have pointed to historical challenges in Nigeria, where government-provided assets, including vehicles and motorbikes, have sometimes been diverted for personal use by security personnel or their associates.
For instance, there have been reports in other states of police or vigilante groups using operational vehicles for private errands, such as transporting goods or running personal businesses, which could undermine the intended purpose of enhancing security patrols in Edo’s rural and forested areas.
The motorbikes, designed for rugged terrains, require regular maintenance to remain functional, especially given the harsh conditions of forest trails and rural roads.
Experts warn that without a robust maintenance plan, the bikes could quickly fall into disrepair, rendering the initiative ineffective.
Previous administrations in Edo and other states have faced criticism for failing to sustain equipment provided to security agencies.
For example, in 2021, former Governor Godwin Obaseki donated 50 patrol vehicles and 60 motorbikes to security agencies, but reports later suggested that some of these assets were underutilized or poorly maintained due to inadequate funding for upkeep.
To address these concerns, Governor Okpebholo’s administration would need to implement strict oversight mechanisms to ensure the motorbikes are used exclusively for security operations.
This could include tracking systems, regular audits, and clear guidelines prohibiting personal use.
Additionally, a dedicated budget for fuel, spare parts, and routine servicing is critical to maintaining the motorbikes’ operational readiness.
The Commissioner of Police has called for community support in monitoring the use of these assets, suggesting that public vigilance could help deter misuse.
The donation of the motorbikes marks a significant step in Governor Okpebholo’s broader security strategy, which includes the recovery of over 3,500 illegal firearms and the procurement of 75 Toyota Hilux vehicles for security agencies within his first 100 days in office.
However, the success of this initiative will hinge on addressing the dual challenges of preventing personal misuse and ensuring proper maintenance.
As Edo residents await the rollout of enhanced security operations, stakeholders are urging the government to establish transparent systems to safeguard the integrity and longevity of this critical investment in public safety.
Comments