…Says initiative will enhance security, protect riders and commuters, and block revenue leakages

Operation Rainbow has issued a firm call to all tricycle riders across Plateau State to comply with the newly introduced ITTMS Digital Transformation QR Code Policy or risk facing legal and operational consequences.

Speaking during an advocacy partnership meeting held at the Operation Rainbow Headquarters in Jos on Monday, July 14, 2025, the Acting Coordinator of Operation Rainbow and Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Brigadier General Goshwe Shipe (rtd.), emphasized that the initiative is not intended to victimize operators but to secure them and the public.

“I call on all tricycle riders on the Plateau—please cooperate with ITTMS. We are not here to victimize anybody or stop you from earning your daily bread,” he said. “We want to ensure you’re safe, protected from extortion, and supported in your work. Come and register; we’ll give you all the support you need.”

Brig. Gen. Shipe, while addressing the press after the closed-door session with the implementation partner, GIOPAT DC Limited, reiterated the state’s commitment to security and order.

“This initiative will help us monitor operators and ensure accountability. We already have investigators, plainclothes operatives, and surveillance systems in place. But this digital transformation is a big leap forward,” he explained.

He warned that any rider who fails to comply will face penalties in accordance with the legal framework embedded in the contract signed with ITTMS.

“If you do not comply, you simply won’t be allowed to operate within the state. It’s that straightforward,” he said.

The GIOPAT delegation was led by Mr. Olisa Ogbeche (Team Lead), Mr. Salis Abdulsalam (Liaison Officer), and Mr. George Michael (Operations Manager). The meeting was also attended by senior Operation Rainbow officials including the Directors of Finance, Operations, Planning & Research, DSS liaison, and Peacebuilding.

In his remarks, Brig. Gen. Shipe commended the ITTMS innovation, saying:

“This is a commendable initiative. I personally scanned one of the QR codes—you could see all the details of the tricycle owner and rider, including pictures. That’s a huge step in ensuring security and transparency.”

“Security challenges from commercial transportation—especially motorcycles and tricycles—have plagued the urban areas. This technology is not just helpful, it is necessary,” he added.

He further pledged Operation Rainbow’s full backing, stressing the importance of compliance mapping, stakeholder engagement, and rider sensitization.

The ITTMS Project Explained

Giving an overview of the ITTMS initiative, GIOPAT’s Liaison Officer, Mr. Salis Abdulsalam, said the project is a three-pronged approach to address security, commuter safety, and revenue generation.

“There are over 33,000 registered tricycles in the state. Yet, for over a decade, these operators have not remitted any structured revenue to the government. That’s a huge leakage,” Abdulsalam stated.

He explained that the initiative involves the biometric registration of all tricycle riders—whether they own the vehicle or not—followed by assigning a unique QR code to each tricycle.

“Once the code is installed, commuters can scan and see who the rider is. If they feel unsafe, they can send that information to a loved one instantly. For security agencies, there’s a backend dashboard where full details of the owner and rider can be accessed for investigations,” he noted.

Abdulsalam emphasized that the system eliminates the need for paper tickets and physical remittances, replacing it with a POS-integrated digital payment system that routes funds directly to government accounts.

“The terminals will be spread across major routes, especially under the Greater Jos Master Plan, so riders can easily pay their levies. The receipt will be automated, digital, and government-certified.”

“We’re not trying to exclude the unions. We’ve signed MOUs with all five major tricycle unions. The government is only trying to sanitize the system and block leakages,” Abdulsalam clarified.

Resistance and the Challenge of Compliance

Addressing the challenge of non-compliance, Abdulsalam explained that many unions have become accustomed to unregulated collections over the past 13 years.

“They see the money as theirs and not public revenue. But the law is clear—public money belongs to the government. That’s why we are here today—to seek Operation Rainbow’s help to ensure compliance and reach those resisting the policy.”

He called on all riders to see the initiative as beneficial and avoid being misled by misinformation.

“There will always be people who resist change. But this project is for their safety, for government development, and for everyone’s benefit.”

Security and Emergency Response Integration

To further strengthen the initiative, Brig. Gen. Shipe announced the inclusion of Operation Rainbow’s toll-free contact number (0800-0022-3344) and the Plateau State Security Information Centre’s hotline (080-0000-5555) into the QR system.

“Tricycle operators themselves are often victims of crime or witnesses to emergency situations. Giving them direct access to security hotlines will help in response coordination,” he said.

Tribute to Former President Buhari

The meeting also observed a one-minute silence in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in a London.