The Federal Road Safety Corps and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have deployed personnel to strategic locations in Onitsha and its environs ahead of the temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge.

The bridge will be closed from September 7 to 21, 2026, for emergency maintenance works.

The FRSC said the deployment followed a road audit conducted around the affected area by its Anambra Sector Commander, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, on Saturday.

The audit assessed major routes that would facilitate vehicular movement during the closure and identified areas requiring urgent intervention to minimise congestion and road crashes.

Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes linking 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 FRSC urged motorists to plan their journeys, obey traffic control directives, avoid unnecessary stopping or parking and exercise patience throughout the closure.

Meanwhile, the NSCDC said it had deployed tactical and regular personnel to the bridge and adjoining areas to provide round-the-clock security during the maintenance period.

The corps said its personnel would protect the engineers, equipment and bridge infrastructure while working with other security agencies to ensure the repair exercise proceeds without disruption.