The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued a severe flood warning, declaring that Rivers Niger and Benue have risen to dangerous levels, posing a grave threat to communities across the nation. The alert has triggered urgent calls for immediate precautionary measures from residents in flood-prone areas.
In a statement signed by the Director General, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, the agency confirmed that the two major rivers, along with key tributaries, have reached their peak due to intense seasonal rainfall and increased water flow.
“The Rivers Niger and Benue have attained alarming heights, creating a significant flooding risk for adjacent communities,” said Mohammed. “We are also observing peak levels in several tributaries, including the Rima, Kaduna, and Gongola rivers, which is exacerbating the situation.”
The agency’s warning highlights concerns around multiple major dams, which are experiencing surges in reservoir levels. According to the release, some dams have already begun controlled spilling to manage pressure, a necessary step that nonetheless increases flood risks downstream.
A detailed status update on major dams paints a concerning picture. The Kainji Dam is currently releasing excess water. “Kainji Dam is spilling, and this directly impacts areas including Kainji town, Patigi, New Bussa, Borgu, and Mokwa,” the statement noted.
Similarly, the Jebba Dam is conducting controlled spilling in coordination with Kainji. Communities such as Jebba town, Gungu, Gana, Fanga, and Baro are among those at immediate risk.
In Sokoto State, the Goronyo Dam has reached its full capacity and is spilling at its maximum rate. The agency reported, “Goronyo Dam is filled to its design capacity of 288 metres and is currently spilling at the maximum rate,” which has already caused flooding in Goronyo, Wamako, Shinaka Yerimawa, and Kurukuru.
The Kiri Dam in Adamawa State is also spilling, with a downstream water level of 8.42 metres. This has resulted in flooding in communities such as Kiri, Tallum, Banjiram, and Shelleng.
Importantly, NiHSA provided clarity on the status of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, a structure often watched with anxiety during the rainy season. “The reservoir water level at Lagdo Dam stands at 37 metres, against a design height of 40 metres. The dam is not spilling at this time,” the agency clarified. It attributed current flooding in parts of Adamawa State—specifically Yola North, Yola South, Girei, and Numan—to heavy local rainfall and runoff within the Benue basin, not releases from the Cameroonian dam.
The Director General urged members of the public, especially those residing along riverbanks and downstream of the mentioned dams, to take urgent action to protect themselves and their property.
“We strongly advise residents in these vulnerable areas to relocate to higher ground and avoid traversing floodwaters,” Mohammed emphasised. “Protection of life remains our utmost priority.”
He also assured that NiHSA is working collaboratively with dam authorities and emergency management agencies to closely monitor the situation and provide timely updates.
As the rainy season peaks, the agency’s warning serves as a critical alert for local and state authorities to activate emergency response plans. Communities are advised to stay tuned to official news channels and heed instructions from disaster management officials to mitigate potential loss of life and property.
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