The Federal Government has raised alarm over the likelihood of serious flooding in parts of the country and directed residents in high-risk communities across 11 states to evacuate without delay.
The National Flood Early Warning Centre, under the Federal Ministry of Environment, issued the alert covering 32 locations between 14 and 18 September 2025. The notice, signed by the Director of Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management, Usman Bokani, named Adamawa, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Delta, Niger, Kebbi, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara as states under imminent threat.
Communities flagged include Ganye and Natubi in Adamawa; Abinsi, Agyo, Gogo, Ito, Makurdi, Udoma and Ukpiam in Benue; Agima, Rukubi and Odogbo in Nasarawa; Beli, Serti and Donga in Taraba; Umugboma, Umukwata, Abraka, Aboh and Okpo-Krika in Delta; and Rijau in Niger. Others are Ribah in Kebbi; Gwarzo and Karaye in Kano; Jibia in Katsina; Makira in Sokoto; and Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi, Maradun, Gusau, Anka and Bungudu in Zamfara.
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The ministry noted that water levels in major rivers have risen sharply, posing a danger to settlements along their floodplains. “Also, due to a rise in the water level of River Gongola, River Benue, and River Niger, the communities on the flood plains of River Gongola up to Numan, and also communities on the flood plains of River Benue and River Niger up to Lokoja are advised to evacuate immediately,” the statement read.
Officials cautioned that failure to move residents away from vulnerable zones could result in heavy losses. “Relevant stakeholders should kindly take note,” the alert added.
The Federal Government further urged state governments and emergency agencies to respond swiftly with relief and mitigation measures.
This advisory comes days after torrential rains in Zaria, Kaduna State, displaced more than 470 children and destroyed about 270 homes.
