RismadarVoice Reporters, June 30, 2026
The Abia State Government has commenced the enforcement of restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations in designated parts of Umuahia, Aba and Ohafia as part of measures aimed at strengthening security across the state.
To ensure accountability during the enforcement exercise, the government has also introduced a toll-free complaints line through which residents can report cases of extortion, abuse, misconduct or other infractions by security personnel and task force officials.
The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, announced the development on Monday while briefing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti at the Government House in Umuahia.
Kanu recalled that the enforcement was originally scheduled to begin on June 22 but was postponed by one week to allow commercial motorcycle operators adequate time to comply with the new regulations.
He said the government recognised the economic importance of motorcycle transportation to many residents and decided to extend the deadline to enable operators to complete the necessary registration and documentation.
“The state government understands that thousands of citizens depend on motorcycle transportation for their livelihood and daily movement. The postponement was approved to give affected operators sufficient time to meet the new regulatory requirements,” he said.
According to the commissioner, operators who violate the restrictions will pay a ₦20,000 fine, while impounded motorcycles will only be released after owners complete all registration, verification and statutory documentation processes.
He explained that privately owned motorcycles would continue to operate freely, provided they are properly registered and documented, but would not be permitted to carry passengers for commercial purposes.
Kanu added that commercial motorcycle operators are restricted to approved operational areas and must wear government-approved identification vests while on duty.
He further stated that all motorcycles, tricycles and commercial vehicles operating within the state are required to comply with government registration and documentation regulations.
Appealing for public support, the commissioner stressed that the safety of residents remained the government’s overriding priority.
“No economic or political consideration can outweigh the value of human life. We remain committed to ensuring that Abians and all residents can live, work and move freely in a secure environment,” he said.
On infrastructure development, Kanu disclosed that the Ministry of Works had intensified road construction and maintenance projects across the state.
He said direct labour works were carried out at 14 locations between June 16 and June 29, with five projects completed and a new road project added during the period.
The completed projects 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 leading to Polygon Junction off Aba Road, Chief Nkoro Street to Udeagbala Road in Aba, rainy season maintenance on Ojari Road in Arochukwu, and drainage desilting 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 Ministry of Works continues to make significant progress in road construction and infrastructure development, with visible improvements taking place in different parts of the state,” he said.
Responding to questions on the recent abduction of two schoolchildren at Umuosu Nsulu, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Security Matters, retired Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah, described the incident as a suspected case of child trafficking.
Ubah said security agencies had launched efforts to rescue the victims, adding that an earlier operation in Ngo-Okpala, Imo State, was based on inaccurate intelligence.
“We acted on information that later proved to be false, but investigations are continuing. The Commissioner of Police has already engaged his counterparts in neighbouring states to strengthen the search for the abducted children,” he said.
The briefing was also attended by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu.
