The Federal Road Safety Corps and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have deployed personnel to strategic locations in Onitsha and neighbouring areas ahead of the temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge.
The Punch reported that the bridge is scheduled to be closed from Monday, September 7, to Monday, September 21, 2026, to allow emergency maintenance work to be carried out.
The two agencies disclosed their preparations in separate statements issued on Sunday by the FRSC Sector Public Education Officer in Anambra State, Margaret Onabe, and the NSCDC Head of Media and Tactical Operations, Anambra State Command, Edwin Okadigbo.
The FRSC said its deployment was aimed at preventing traffic gridlock, facilitating the smooth movement of vehicles and protecting road users during the two-week closure.
Onabe said the exercise followed a working visit and road audit carried out around the affected areas on Saturday by the FRSC Sector Commander, RS5.3 Anambra, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno.
She said the assessment was conducted alongside officials from the Federal Ministry of Works, including the Sector Head of Operations and Controller for Anambra State, Emenike Timothy, his Delta State counterpart, as well as the Commander of the Anambra State Traffic Management Agency.
According to her, the road audit examined major routes that would serve as alternatives during the closure and identified areas requiring immediate attention to improve traffic flow and reduce the possibility of road crashes.
She said motorists could use alternative routes leading to the Second Niger Bridge, including the Nkpor–Old Road–Obosi route, Onitsha–Owerri Road from Upper Iweka, and Atani Road through Uga Junction to Harbour Industrial Layout.
“The Sector Commander assured the public that the FRSC, in collaboration with other traffic management agencies and relevant stakeholders in Anambra and Delta States, is fully prepared to manage traffic and respond promptly to emergencies throughout the period.
“She urged motorists to plan their journeys, obey traffic rules and traffic control directives, avoid unnecessary stopping or parking along the routes, exercise patience and refrain from dangerous driving practices.
“The Command also appealed to members of the public to cooperate with personnel deployed to strategic locations, noting that their support and compliance with traffic regulations are essential to achieving a safe and seamless movement of traffic during the period of the First Niger Bridge closure.”
Meanwhile, the NSCDC said it had also finalised arrangements to provide security at the First Niger Bridge and surrounding areas throughout the maintenance period.
Okadigbo said tactical and regular personnel had been deployed to the bridge and adjoining locations as part of the Corps’ responsibility to protect critical national, state and local government infrastructure.
“Consistent with our statutory responsibility, we have mobilised armed and unarmed officers to provide 24-hour security for the engineers, equipment and the bridge infrastructure throughout the repair period. We are also working closely with other security agencies to ensure a hitch-free operation.
“We urge residents and road users to remain patient and law-abiding. Anyone found vandalising government property or obstructing the contractor handling the project will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” he said.
The NSCDC urged residents and motorists to cooperate with security personnel and ensure that the maintenance operation proceeds without disruption.
