ONITSHA, NIGERIA — The Federal Road Safety Corps and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State commands, have deployed personnel across strategic locations in Onitsha and surrounding areas ahead of the two-week closure of the First Niger Bridge, scheduled to begin on Monday, September 7, 2026 .
The deployment, announced in a joint statement on Sunday, is part of proactive measures to ensure effective traffic management, smooth vehicular movement, and the safety of road users throughout the maintenance period, which is expected to end on September 21 . The FRSC said the deployment followed a working visit and road audit conducted by the Sector Commander around the area on Saturday, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works and the Anambra State Traffic Management Agency .
Margaret Onabe, FRSC Sector Public Education Officer for Anambra State, said the road audit focused on assessing major routes that will facilitate vehicular movement during the closure and identifying areas requiring urgent intervention to minimise the risk of road traffic crashes . Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes connecting to the Second Niger Bridge, including the Nkpor–Old Road–Obosi route, the Onitsha–Owerri Road from Upper Iweka, and Atani Road through Uga Junction to Harbour Industrial Layout .
Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, FRSC Sector Commander for Anambra State, assured the public that the Corps, in collaboration with other traffic management agencies and stakeholders in Anambra and Delta states, is fully prepared to manage traffic and respond promptly to emergencies throughout the closure . She urged motorists to plan their journeys, obey traffic rules, avoid unnecessary stopping or parking along routes, and exercise patience .
Meanwhile, the NSCDC confirmed it has deployed tactical and regular personnel to provide round-the-clock security for engineers, equipment, and the bridge infrastructure throughout the repair period . Edwin Okadigbo, Head of Media and Tactical Operations for the NSCDC Anambra Command, said the deployment aligns with the Corps’ mandate of protecting critical national infrastructure . “We have mobilised armed and unarmed officers to provide 24-hour security for the engineers, equipment and the bridge infrastructure throughout the repair period,” Okadigbo stated . He warned that anyone found vandalising government property or obstructing the contractor handling the project would be arrested and prosecuted .
The closure follows an inspection by Minister of Works David Umahi, who expressed concern over the deteriorated condition of the bridge, including vandalised expansion joints and steel truss components . The Federal Ministry of Works has directed contractor Messrs SKECC to carry out emergency maintenance, including asphalt resurfacing, installation of solar-powered streetlights, and closed-circuit television cameras to deter future vandalism .
