The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Anambra State Command has led other security agencies on a joint inspection of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha as rehabilitation and maintenance work continues on the critical transport link.
The inspection, carried out on Monday, September 7, 2026, was aimed at assessing the progress of work on the bridge and identifying potential security and traffic challenges that could arise during the maintenance period.
Anambra State Commandant of the NSCDC, Maku Olatunde, was represented during the exercise by the Deputy Commandant in charge of Operations, DCC Akaachia Godwin, who joined other security service commanders at the site.
The First Niger Bridge is a major transport link connecting Anambra State and the South-East with Delta State and other parts of southern Nigeria, making traffic management and security around the bridge particularly important while maintenance work is underway.
Security Agencies Assess Traffic, Safety Risks
According to the NSCDC, the joint inspection provided security officials with an opportunity to assess conditions around the bridge and evaluate the potential impact of the rehabilitation on commuters, pedestrians and the movement of goods.
The Corps said particular attention would be paid to designated diversion routes, where increased traffic could create congestion and additional security challenges.
Olatunde reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure while ensuring the safety of people using the bridge and alternative routes throughout the maintenance period.
He said the Corps would work closely with other security agencies to prevent traffic gridlock, address potential security threats and ensure the movement of people and vehicles is not unnecessarily disrupted.
The collaboration is expected to be particularly important during periods of heavy traffic when diversions around the bridge could place additional pressure on surrounding roads.
Personnel Deployed to Bridge, Alternative Routes
The NSCDC disclosed that personnel had been strategically deployed to key locations around the First Niger Bridge and along alternative routes.
The officers are expected to maintain public order, support traffic management and deter criminal activities that could exploit congestion or disruptions associated with the rehabilitation work.
The Corps said the deployment was also intended to provide security for commuters and goods in transit.
As the agency statutorily responsible for protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, the NSCDC said securing the bridge and its immediate environment would remain a priority throughout the maintenance exercise.
The First Niger Bridge is an important gateway into and out of the South-East, carrying significant passenger and commercial traffic through Onitsha and across the River Niger.
Any restriction on the bridge can consequently have wider implications for interstate movement and commercial activities, particularly for motorists and businesses transporting goods between the South-East and other parts of the country.
NSCDC Pledges Continuous Monitoring
The Anambra State Command said security operations around the bridge would not be limited to the initial inspection.
It pledged to maintain active monitoring of the area and sustain collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders for the duration of the maintenance work.
The Corps also assured members of the public that measures were being taken to protect lives and property while supporting the orderly movement of traffic.
It urged road users to cooperate with security and traffic management personnel deployed around affected routes as rehabilitation work progresses.
The NSCDC said coordination among security agencies would remain critical to reducing congestion, preventing security incidents and maintaining safe passage for motorists, pedestrians and commercial traffic until the maintenance exercise is completed.
The statement was signed by SC Okadigbo Edwin, Head of Media and Tactical Operations, NSCDC Anambra State Command, on behalf of the State Commandant.
