The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has sounded a red alert over imminent flooding, warning that major rivers and dams across the country have reached critical levels, threatening dozens of communities.
In a statement on Friday, the agency’s Director General, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, said the Rivers Niger and Benue have both attained peak flow, with tributaries such as Rima, Kaduna, and Gongola at maximum capacity. Several dams are currently discharging excess water, heightening the risk of severe downstream flooding.
“There is a significant flood wave moving downstream. Communities along the Rivers Niger and Benue must take urgent steps to protect lives and property,” the agency warned.
NiHSA disclosed that the Kainji and Jebba dams on the River Niger are currently spilling, with reservoir levels at 138.69 metres and 102.20 metres respectively. Coordinated spillage from the dams is expected to further raise water levels downstream.
Communities flagged as high-risk include Kainji, Patigi, New Bussa, Borgu, Mokwa (Niger and Kwara states), and Jebba, Gungu, Gana, Fanga, Bele, Gaba, and Baro (Kwara and Kogi states).
In Sokoto State, the Goronyo Dam has reached its design capacity of 288 metres and is spilling at maximum rate, already flooding Goronyo, Wamako, Shinaka Yerimawa, Kurukuru, and surrounding villages.
In Adamawa State, Kiri Dam is also discharging excess water, inundating Kiri, Tallum, Banjiram, Shelleng, and Purokayo-Lakumna. Although Zungeru Dam has not begun spilling, its reservoir level has climbed to 229.15 metres and is under close watch.
NiHSA confirmed that Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam, which impacts the River Benue basin, is not currently releasing water but is at a dangerously high 37 metres out of 40 metres. The agency clarified that flooding in Adamawa communities, including Yola North, Yola South, Girei, and Numan, is due to heavy rainfall and local runoff, not releases from Lagdo.
The agency urged residents in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer grounds and called on state and local governments to activate emergency response plans immediately.
“We are working closely with dam operators to mitigate the impacts, but downstream communities must act now,” NiHSA said.