The Abia State Government has commenced the enforcement of restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations in designated areas of Umuahia, Aba and Ohafia as part of measures aimed at strengthening 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 agencies and task force personnel.

The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, announced the development 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 enforcement was originally scheduled to begin on June 22, 2026, but was postponed by one week to allow commercial motorcycle operators sufficient time to comply with the new regulations.

He said the government acknowledged that many residents rely on commercial motorcycles for their daily livelihood and transportation, adding that the decision to shift the enforcement date reflected its understanding of the concerns raised by operators and members of the public.

According to him, the fine for violating the restrictions remains ₦20,000. He explained that impounded motorcycles would only be released after owners complete all required registration, documentation, verification and other statutory procedures.

Kanu clarified that privately owned motorcycles are exempt from the restriction, provided they are properly registered and documented. However, he stressed that private motorcycles are not permitted to carry passengers for commercial purposes.

He added that commercial motorcycle operators may only operate within approved areas and are required to wear government-approved identification vests while carrying out their activities.

The commissioner further stated that all motorcycles, tricycles and commercial vehicles operating in Abia State must be fully registered and properly documented in accordance with government regulations.

Appealing for public support, Kanu said the protection of lives remains the government's overriding priority.

He noted that no economic or political interest should take precedence over the safety of residents, assuring that the administration would continue working to ensure people can live, work and move around the state without fear.

On infrastructure, Kanu said the Ministry of Works has intensified road construction and maintenance projects across the state.

He disclosed that between June 16 and June 29, 2026, direct labour projects were executed at 14 locations, with five completed and one new project added.

Among the completed projects are 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, adding that 24 road projects are currently under construction across the state.

He said the Ministry of Works remains committed to expanding road infrastructure, with significant progress already visible in different parts of the state.

Responding to questions about the recent abduction of two schoolchildren in Umuosu Nsulu, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Security Matters, retired Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah, described the incident as a case of child trafficking.

According to him, the children were abducted after school on Friday while travelling in a tricycle with three other pupils. He explained that three of the children were reportedly asked to get down to buy fuel before the remaining two were taken away.

Ubah said the state government immediately launched efforts to rescue the victims, adding that an initial operation in Ngo-Okpala, Imo State, based on intelligence, did not yield results because the information turned out to be inaccurate.

He, however, assured residents that security agencies remain on the case, revealing that the Commissioner of Police has already contacted his counterparts in neighbouring states to strengthen the search for the abducted children.

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