First Niger Bridge Closure: Anambra Police Step Up Security, Traffic Control Team

Security operatives in Anambra State have commenced a coordinated security and traffic management operation following the temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge to vehicular traffic due to scheduled maintenance works.

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, on Monday, in collaboration with other sister security agencies, inspected various spots and conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the bridge, adjoining areas and identified diversionary routes.

According to a statement issued by the Command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the assessment was aimed at identifying potential security, traffic and public-safety challenges arising from the closure and putting in place proactive measures to mitigate them.

Consequently, Ikenga said the Command has deployed a Police-led Joint Security Team to strategic locations around the bridge, diversionary routes and other critical points to maintain security, support effective traffic management and prevent criminal elements from exploiting the situation.

According to him, the deployment is specifically targeted at ensuring the safe, orderly and unhindered movement of motorists, commuters and pedestrians, while preventing traffic obstruction, congestion, harassment, opportunistic criminality and other security breaches.

He said the CP had directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders within the affected areas to maintain heightened operational alertness, intensify patrols and sustain visibility, while ensuring seamless coordination with sister security agencies throughout the period of the maintenance works.

Ikenga also stated that the Commissioner of Police had reassured residents, motorists, commuters and businesses that the Command would continue to closely monitor developments around the affected routes and respond promptly to emerging security or traffic challenges.
The Anambra State Police Command therefore urges members of the public to remain calm, cooperate with security and traffic personnel, obey diversionary routes and traffic directives, and promptly report suspicious persons, activities or security concerns to the nearest security formation.
“The Command remains fully committed to maintaining public safety, securing critical infrastructure and ensuring the free flow of human and vehicular movement throughout the period of the bridge closure,” the statement added.