The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has warned residents living along the River Niger and River Kaduna to move to safer locations following the release of water from major hydroelectric dams.
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The alert, issued on Thursday by NSEMA’s Director-General, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, highlighted that the Kainji, Shiroro, Zungeru, and Jebba dams are discharging thousands of gallons of water per minute. He cautioned that this could lead to river overflow and widespread flooding in surrounding communities.
Residents in riverine areas have been urged to relocate to safer grounds designated by the state government. The agency also advised people to avoid river banks during the peak rainy season and stay clear of substandard structures and trees during heavy rainfall, as violent windstorms have been predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
Several local government areas are already affected, including Lavun, Magama, Rafi, Kontagora, Gbako, Mokwa, Lapai, Katcha, Agaie, Suleja, Shiroro, Mashegu, Agwara, Bida, Edati, Munya, Bosso, Chanchaga, Paikoro, and Wushishi. The state has recorded loss of lives, with houses, farmlands, bridges, and access roads damaged or washed away.
Niger State has historically been among the worst-hit during Nigeria’s annual flooding season, with major disasters reported in 2022 and May 2025, claiming hundreds of lives and displacing thousands. Releases from the dams have frequently caused downstream flooding, particularly along the River Niger and River Kaduna.
NSEMA continues to appeal to residents to follow safety guidelines and cooperate with authorities to prevent further loss of life and property.
