FRSC, NSCDC deploy personnel to control traffic during First Niger Bridge closure

The Federal Road Safety Corps and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State commands, have deployed personnel in strategic locations across Onitsha and its environs ahead of the temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge from September 7 to 21, 2026.
This was contained in a statement released on Sunday by the Sector Public Education Officer, FRSC, Anambra State Command, Margaret Onabe, and Head, Media and Tactical Operations, NSCDC, Anambra State Command, Okadigbo Edwin, respectively.
The FRSC said the deployment was part of proactive measures by the Corps, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, to ensure effective traffic management, smooth vehicular movement and the safety of road users throughout the two-week closure.
FRSC officials. Photo: Ikenna Obianeri
Onabe said the deployment followed the Sector Commander, FRSC RS5.3 Anambra, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno’s working visit and road audit conducted around the area on Saturday.
She said, “The exercise was conducted in collaboration with the Sector Commander, FRSC RS5.3 Anambra; Sector Head of Operations, Controller, Federal Ministry of Works, Anambra State Chapter, Emenike Timothy; his Delta State counterpart; and the Commander, Anambra State Traffic Management Agency.
“The road audit focused on assessing the major routes that will facilitate vehicular movement during the closure and identifying areas requiring urgent intervention to ensure smooth traffic flow and minimise the risk of road traffic crashes.

“Motorists are advised to make use of the identified alternative routes connecting 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. How I found out my wife was molesting daughter — Husband Soludo’s wife condemns sexual abuse of child by mother Child traffickers’ new trick exposed
“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, a statement also quoted the Head, Media and Tactical Operations, NSCDC, Anambra State Command, Edwin Okadigbo, as saying that the command had concluded plans to deploy adequate security operatives to the First Niger Bridge and its surrounding areas ahead of the emergency maintenance works on the bridge from Monday, September 7, 2026, till Monday, September 21, 2026.
Okadigbo said that in line with the Corps’ core mandate of protecting critical national, state and local government assets and infrastructure, the command had deployed tactical and regular personnel to the site and adjoining areas.
“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.

Ikenna Obianeri
Ikenna Obianeri is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over 10 years of experience in reporting and storytelling. He conducts incisive interviews, covers crime and environmental issues, and produces engaging feature stories tailored for digital audiences. Ikenna’s work reflects strong newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a commitment to impactful, audience-focused journalism

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