Presented publicly by Henry Omoregie for the use of concerned authorities and security agencies.
FOREWORD:
Yours truly was physically involved with the safety of all Nigerians in and around my workplace at the NLNG construction between 1998-2002 as a safety officer and safety supervisor/inspector with 2 different companies on site. I was in charge of various safety beats which took me to virtually every corner of the NLNG site (via TSKJ consortium and Techint Cimimontubi Spa) from trains one, two and 3 (expansion project) to the plus project (4, 5and 6) (site preparation and sand stockpiling.
I left shortly after – to further my academic work outside of the sprawling oil installations on the island. But not before assisting in the logistics of the construction of the Ibanise Town Hall in Akiama for Kengrin Nigeria Limited in 2002 – 2003. From excavation of the building site to the installation of the final trusses for the roofing system.
I am almost a Bonny man too… acquainted with scores of the who’s who in Bonny Island… Some are reading this.
Because of my passion for saving lives (my TSKJ records are intact in the inaugural NLNG video just after the first shipment was made) I have been thinking of potential risks and the mitigation approaches required to prevent unpleasant incidents as low as reasonably practicable.
Here is a basic 20-point security and safety plan for the Bonny LGA to enforce in collaboration with NLNG, the Federal, and State Governments, addressing the new risks introduced by the Bonny-Bodo Road.
Integrated Security & Safety Plan for the Bonny-Bodo Road Corridor
GUIDING PRINCIPLE : To secure the road as critical national infrastructure and mitigate the unique risks of a single road access to an island, using a layered, technology-driven, and community-involved approach.
PHASE 1: Physical & Technological Security Infrastructure
1. Establish a Dedicated Joint Security Task Force: Create a permanently stationed unit comprising the Nigeria Police (Marine & Mobile), Nigerian Navy, Army, NSCDC, and local vigilantes (under strict supervision). This “Bonny Corridor Security Force” (BCSF) will have a dedicated command and control center.
2. Implement a Technology Surveillance Corridor: Install solar-powered CCTV cameras with thermal capabilities at both bridgeheads, along the entire road length (especially at vulnerable points), and at the Bonny Gateway. Ensure real-time monitoring feeds to the BCSF HQ and NLNG Security.
3. Deploy Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) Systems: Install ALPR cameras at the entry and exit points of the island to log all vehicular movement, aiding in investigations and tracking suspect vehicles.
4. Secure the Bridges as Critical Assets: Establish permanent security posts at both ends of each bridge. Install physical barriers (rising bollards) for controlled access during emergencies or heightened threat levels. Patrol the surrounding swamp terrain with amphibious units to deter boat-based attacks on bridge pylons or road users.
5. Lighting and Visibility Enhancement: Ensure the entire road and bridge corridor is fully illuminated to deter criminal activity and improve night-time driving safety. Use durable, vandal-proof fixtures.
6. Create Designated Safe Bays & Emergency Lay-bys: Construct reinforced emergency pull-off bays at intervals for broken-down vehicles to be secured, preventing them from becoming easy targets for robbery. Equip each bay with emergency communication points (panic buttons/phones).
7. Implement a Centralized Communication & Emergency Response System: Establish a dedicated emergency hotline (e.g., 112) for the corridor. Equip the road with GSM signal boosters and provide VHF radio network coverage for security and commercial operators.
PHASE 2: Operational Procedures & Traffic Management
1. Enforce a Regulated Convoy System for High-Risk Periods: During initial opening, night travel, or high-threat alerts, mandate escorted convoys at scheduled times, managed by the BCSF. This should be time-bound and reviewed as security stabilizes.
2. Introduce Strict Vehicle Entry Protocols & Screening: At the mainland (Bodo) entry point, implement mandatory checks for vehicle roadworthiness, driver identification, and manifest for commercial vehicles. This acts as a first security filter.
3. Deploy Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) & Patrols: Position armed RRTs at strategic points (e.g., mid-corridor) to respond to incidents within minutes. Conduct continuous, unpredictable armed patrols (vehicular and marine) along the road and adjacent waterways.
4. Establish a Traffic Management & Road Safety Unit: A dedicated unit to enforce speed limits, prevent dangerous overtaking, manage breakdowns, and respond to minor accidents to maintain flow and safety. Equip them with tow trucks and ambulances.
5. Develop and Enforce a Road Use Code of Conduct: Mandatory safety briefings for regular commuters and companies. Rules to include: no stopping except at safe bays, keeping windows up in certain zones, immediate reporting of suspicious activity, and night travel advisories.
PHASE 3: Community Engagement & Intelligence
1. Launch a Corridor Community Liaison & Intelligence Program: Engage with communities along the mainland sections of the road (e.g., Bodo, others) through trusted intermediaries. Establish a confidential tip-line and reward scheme for information on planned CRIMES.
2. Formalize and Regulate Existing Water Transport: To mitigate displacement of boat operators, formalize and integrate them into the security architecture. Register boats and operators, provide identification, and train them as “Waterway Watch” informants for the Navy, reporting piracy or suspicious movement near the bridges.
3. Conduct Joint Security Drills and Simulation Exercises: Regularly simulate scenarios like armed robbery, kidnapping, major auto collision, and bridge security breach. Involve all security agencies, NLNG emergency services, and Bonny LGA officials to test coordination and response plans.
PHASE 4: Emergency Response & Mitigation
1. Build a Fully Equipped Emergency Response & Fire Station: Construct a facility mid-corridor or near the Bonny end, equipped with fire tenders, heavy-duty ambulances, rescue extraction tools (jaws of life), and hazmat kits for fuel tanker incidents.
2. Develop a Robust Medical Evacuation Protocol: Establish a partnership with NLNG’s hospital and Port Harcourt hospitals. Pre-position air ambulance (helicopter) access for critical casualties, with designated landing zones along the corridor.
3. Prepare for Road Closure Contingencies: Given the single access, have a clear, publicly communicated plan for alternative sea transport if the road must close due to a major accident, security incident, or maintenance. This includes reserving ferry capacity.
4. Implement an Environmental & Swamp Patrol: To prevent criminals using the swamp to approach the road, conduct periodic marine patrols in the surrounding creeks and mangroves. Clear vegetation at key points to eliminate potential ambush spots near the road.
5. Establish a Governing Security Steering Committee: Form a committee with monthly meetings, comprising Bonny LGA Chairman, NLNG Security Head, Representatives of the BCSF, and State/Federal Security Chiefs. This ensures ongoing funding, strategy review, threat assessment, and inter-agency accountability.
CONCLUSION: This plan moves beyond static guarding to create a dynamic, resilient security ecosystem for the Bonny-Bodo Road. Its success hinges on sustained political will, dedicated funding from the benefiting entities (especially NLNG and government), and active, trusted community participation to ensure the road becomes a safe artery for development, not a new vulnerability.
I am very sure that some of the approaches listed here are already in the brains of security and stakeholder think-tanks.
Congratulations to all IBANI people and potential tourism business people that will be setting up shop in Bonny LGA.
Safe trips and may Bonny Island explode into eternal prosperity!
RESEARCHED AND WRITTEN BY HENRY OMOREGIE (DECEMBER 15, 2025)
