Niger Bridge Closure: Police orders more security deployment to secure alternative routes

The Anambra State Police Command has ordered the deployment of operatives to alternative routes used by travellers as a result of the closure of the First Niger Bridge.

The Federal Government last weekend announced the closure of the First Niger Bridge beginning Monday, the 7th of September, for repair works.

The State Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji Ama, who inspected the compliance of motorists with the closure and use of the diversionary routes, said there was a need for further deployment of operatives to watch the alternative routes.

The spokesperson of the command, who spoke to journalists, said the CP inspected the bridge alongside heads of other sister security agencies in the state.

He said: “The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, Nnanna Oji Ama, today, 7th September 2026, personally led heads of sister security agencies and other strategic security commanders on an on-the-spot assessment of the bridge, adjoining areas and identified diversionary routes.

“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, 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.

“The deployment is specifically targeted at ensuring 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 has further directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders within the affected areas to maintain heightened operational alertness, intensified patrols and sustained visibility, while ensuring seamless coordination with sister security agencies throughout the period of the maintenance works.