The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia State Council, has expressed concern over what it described as the increasing infiltration of criminal elements posing as tricycle and motorcycle operators in parts of the state.

The union raised the alarm in a communiqué issued at the end of its monthly congress held in Umuahia, condemning criminal activities allegedly carried out by individuals disguising themselves as legitimate transport operators.

The communiqué, jointly signed by the Chairman of the Abia NUJ, Chidi Asonye, and the State Secretary, Iyke Onuegbu, noted that the activities of the suspected criminals are posing a growing security threat and putting the lives of passengers at risk, particularly during nighttime travel.

According to the union, the situation requires urgent intervention to prevent further security breaches and protect residents across the state.

To address the challenge, the council called on the Abia State Ministry of Transport to work closely with tricycle and motorcycle unions to regulate their operations and establish a profiling system for operators.

The journalists said such measures would help identify genuine members and curb the activities of criminal elements hiding under the guise of commercial transportation.

The congress also urged traditional rulers, presidents-general, and community leaders across autonomous communities to strengthen local security mechanisms.

“In view of rising insecurity in Nigeria and the need to be proactive in protecting our communities, congress calls on traditional rulers of autonomous communities, presidents general and town union leaders to set up measures to monitor and comb their lands in order to ensure the safety of farmers in their areas,” the communiqué stated.

While commending the Abia State Government for its efforts in maintaining security, the NUJ encouraged the administration to take additional steps by organizing security summits for traditional rulers and key community stakeholders.

According to the union, such engagements would help educate local leaders on emerging security threats and encourage greater vigilance at the grassroots level.

The journalists also called on the state government to recruit forest guards who would patrol communities and forested areas to flush out criminal elements suspected to be hiding in bushes and remote locations across the state.