Yuletide: Police Orders Dismantling of Checkpoints, FRSC Assures Smooth Traffic in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra State Police Command has ordered removal of all checkpoints at the Head Bridge, Onitsha from December 18, 2024 to January 10, 2025.

The Command also directed dismantling of all police checkpoints on the Delta side of the old Niger bridge to facilitate free flow of traffic during the Christmas and New Year festivities.

The directive, according to a statement by Sector Public Education Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Anambra State Command, RC Margaret Onabe was in response to request by the Sector Commander, Joyce Alexander on assistance from the Command.

She said the Sector Commander had appealed to Police Commissioner, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, to suspend checkpoints at the Onitsha end of the bridge and maintain a police presence on the axis of the Second Niger Bridge.

She said Police also decided to establish mobile surveillance at the Second Bridge axis as well as provide officers for joint traffic control efforts with the FRSC during the yuletide season.

The statement reads, “As part of efforts to ensure smooth traffic flow at the Onitsha Head Bridge during the festive period, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Anambra State Command, in collaboration with the Anambra and Delta State Police Commands, has taken proactive steps to address potential traffic challenges.

“The Sector Commander, FRSC Anambra State Command, Corps Commander Joyce Nnennaya Alexander, requested assistance from the Anambra State Police Commissioner, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, to suspend checkpoints at the Onitsha end of the bridge and maintain a police presence on the axis of the Second Niger Bridge.

“In response, the Anambra CP invited his Delta State counterpart, CP B.S. Oluwafemi, to join them for an on-site assessment of both bridges. As a result of this collaboration, the following measures will be implemented:

• Removal of all checkpoints at the Head Bridge from December 18 to January 10
• Establishment of mobile surveillance at the Second Bridge axis
• Dismantling of all police checkpoints on the Delta side of the Old Niger Bridge to facilitate free trafficking flow
• Provision of officers for joint traffic control efforts with the FRSC during the yuletide season.

“The FRSC Anambra State Command is committed to ensuring the safety of all road users during the festive period.

“Motorists are advised to cooperate with traffic management personnel and follow all traffic rules and regulations.”