The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued a warning of imminent downstream flooding along Rivers Niger and Benue, citing rising water levels in the rivers and their tributaries. The alert, delivered by NiHSA Director-General Umar Mohammed in Abuja, comes amid concerns over heavy rainfall and spillover from major dams.
NiHSA flagged several dams as overflowing or beginning to spill excess water and identified communities most at risk. Among these are towns along the Niger River in Niger and Kwara states including Kainji, Patigi, New Bussa, Borgu, and Mokwa. Also threatened are communities along the Benue River. The agency urged residents in the downstream areas to take precautionary steps to protect lives and property and emphasized coordination with dam authorities to mitigate potential impacts.