The governments of Abia and Imo states have launched a joint security taskforce and surveillance operation along the Aba–Owerri expressway following a spike in criminal attacks on the busy corridor.
The operation covers the entire stretch from Owerrinta in Abia state through to Owerri, Imo state, and is aimed at neutralizing criminal elements exploiting heavy human and vehicular movement on the route, particularly ahead of the Christmas travel rush.
In a statement signed by Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to the Abia governor on Media and Publicity, the decision was taken after an emergency security meeting held on December 4, 2025, at the Imo State Government House, Owerri, and jointly presided over by Governors Alex Otti and Hope Uzodimma.
At the meeting, the two governors resolved to establish a multi-agency taskforce made up of personnel from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and other government security agencies.
The joint taskforce is scheduled to commence full operations from December 5, 2025, with a 24-hour nonstop patrol of the expressway to deter kidnappings, armed robbery, and other violent crimes.
In addition to ground patrols, the security operation will include round-the-clock aerial surveillance of adjoining bushes and flashpoints using sophisticated drones and other modern security equipment.
Governor Otti, during the meeting, commended the Imo State Government for the recent arrest of suspects linked to an attack on his advance team and other commuters on the road a few days earlier.
Both governors assured daily road users and Nigerians returning home for the Christmas season of their safety, warning that severe consequences would await any criminal caught operating along the route.
