The governments of Abia and Imo States have established a joint security taskforce to combat rising criminal activities along the Aba–Owerri expressway, especially as holiday travel increases during the Christmas season.
The initiative was announced after an emergency security meeting held on Thursday, December 4, 2025, between Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, at the Imo State Government House in Owerri.
Both governors expressed concern over recent incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery, and other attacks targeting commuters on the busy route.
To address these threats, the two states will deploy a combined security team made up of the military, navy, police, DSS, and other security agencies. The operation officially begins on Friday, December 5, 2025, with 24-hour patrols stretching from Owerrinta in Abia to Owerri in Imo State.
The joint taskforce will also utilize aerial surveillance, including high-tech drones and advanced monitoring equipment, to scan forests and suspected criminal hideouts along the corridor.
Governor Otti commended Governor Uzodinma for the swift arrest of suspects linked to the recent attack on his advance team and other travelers.
Both leaders assured residents and holiday commuters of improved safety throughout the festive period, warning that anyone caught engaging in criminal activities will face strict consequences.
The announcement was contained in a statement released by Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Otti, on December 4, 2025.