By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have deployed personnel to strategic locations in Onitsha and its environs ahead of the First Niger Bridge closure scheduled to take effect from tomorrow, Monday, September 7, to 21, 2026.

The joint action is geared towards maintaining order, reducing congestion and protecting road users during the emergency works.

Confirming the move on Sunday following a coordinated road audit, officials from both agencies described the move as a proactive step to keep traffic flowing through alternative routes while engineers carry out necessary repairs on the ageing structure that links Anambra and Delta states.

The audit assessed major alternative corridors and identified points that require immediate attention to prevent gridlock and reduce crash risks.

Following the exercise, Sector Public Education Officer Margaret Onabe announced that FRSC personnel have been positioned at critical junctions.

She said that motorists have been directed to use the Nkpor–Old Road–Obosi route, the Onitsha–Owerri Road from Upper Iweka, and the Atani Road through Uga Junction to the Harbour Industrial Layout as primary diversions linking to the Second Niger Bridge.

Recall that the current two-week shutdown was announced by the Minister of Works, David Umahi during his recent visit for a view of the level of dilapidation of the bridge.

It was also learnt that the “Iron condemn” rustlers stole screws and rods from the bridge.

Meanwhile, the Sector Commander of FRSC Anambra, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, has led a working visit and road audit around the bridge approaches and connecting routes.

She urged motorists to plan journeys carefully, obey traffic directives, avoid unnecessary parking and refrain from dangerous driving.

On the security side, the NSCDC Anambra Command has mobilised both tactical and regular officers to the bridge site and surrounding areas.

The Head of Media and Tactical Operations Okadigbo Edwin stated that the deployment covers 24-hour protection for engineers, equipment and the infrastructure itself, in line with the Corps’ mandate to safeguard critical national assets.

He harped on the collaborative nature of the operation, assuring 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.

The First Niger Bridge remains one of the busiest transport corridors in southern Nigeria, carrying heavy volumes of commercial and private vehicles between the commercial hub of Onitsha and Asaba.

The bridge is currently facing decades of wear and tear from intense usage which have placed continuous strain on the structure, prompting periodic maintenance.