The Abia State Government has begun enforcing restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations in designated areas of Umuahia, Aba and Ohafia as part of measures to strengthen security across the state.

To ensure transparency during the exercise, the government has also introduced a toll-free public complaints line through which residents can report cases of extortion, abuse, misconduct or other violations by security personnel and members of the enforcement task force.

The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, announced this on Monday while briefing journalists at the Government House in Umuahia after the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu recalled that the enforcement was originally scheduled to begin on June 22, 2026, but was postponed by one week to allow commercial motorcycle operators enough time to comply with the new regulations.

He said the government understood that many residents depend on commercial motorcycles for their daily livelihood and transportation, which informed the decision to grant the extension.

“The state government recognises that thousands of hardworking citizens depend on motorcycle transportation for their livelihood and movement and fully appreciates the concerns raised by affected operators and members of the public.

“It was in demonstration of this understanding that the government sanctioned the postponement of the commencement date to enable affected persons to comply with the new regulatory requirements and make necessary adjustments,” Kanu said.

According to the commissioner, the penalty for violating the restriction remains N20,000. He explained that impounded motorcycles would only be released after their owners complete all required registration, documentation, verification and other statutory procedures.

He added that privately owned motorcycles would continue to have unrestricted access provided they are properly registered and documented, but they would not be permitted to carry passengers.

Kanu further stated that commercial motorcycle operators are only allowed to operate within approved areas and must wear government-approved identification vests while on duty.

He also emphasised that all motorcycles, tricycles and commercial vehicles operating in the state must be fully registered and properly documented in line with government regulations.

Appealing for public cooperation, Kanu stressed that protecting the lives and safety of residents remains the government's overriding priority.

“No economic or political consideration can outweigh the value of human life. We will continue to ensure that Abians and residents can live, work and move about freely in a secure environment,” he said.

On infrastructure development, the commissioner disclosed that the Ministry of Works had stepped up road construction and maintenance activities across the state.

He said direct labour projects were carried out at 14 locations between June 16 and June 29, 2026, with five projects completed and one new project added.

The completed projects, he said, include the 1.19-kilometre Obikabia–Umueleke Road Phase One in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, the 550-metre Uzoma–Ohokobe–Afara–Ohokobe Road to Polygon Junction off Aba Road, Chief Nkoro Street to Udeagbala Road in Aba, rainy season maintenance work on Ojari Road in Arochukwu, and desilting works along Faulks Road in Aba.

Kanu also announced the commencement of the Green Avenue Square project in Aba, noting that 24 road projects are currently under construction across the state.

“The state government, through the Ministry of Works, continues to push the boundaries in road construction and infrastructure development, with visible progress being made across the state,” he said.

Responding to questions on the recent abduction of two schoolchildren at Umuosu Nsulu, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, retired Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah, described the incident as a case of child trafficking and assured residents that efforts were underway to rescue the victims.

“We know it happened after school on Friday. That is even a cause for concern for us parents. Five pupils were carried by a Keke, and then three of the five pupils were sent to buy fuel; then the other two were abducted.

“That is a typical case of child trafficking. The state government is aware that we have set the ball rolling to make sure that we recover them. We actually acted on false information and went somewhere in Ngo-Okpala in Imo State, but it turned out that the information we got was wrong. The CP has contacted CPs of the neighbouring states,” Ubah said.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu, was also present at the media briefing.