The Federal Government has raised an alarm over potential flooding in 32 communities across 11 states, urging residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate immediately.
The warning, released by the National Flood Early Warning Centre under the Federal Ministry of Environment, covers the period between September 14 and 18, 2025.
The advisory was signed by the Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Bokani.
Communities identified at risk include Ganye and Natubi in Adamawa; Abinsi, Agyo, Gogo, Ito, Makurdi, Udoma, and Ukpiam in Benue; Agima, Rukubi, and Odogbo in Nasarawa; as well as Beli, Serti, and Donga in Taraba.
Others are Umugboma, Umukwata, Abraka, Aboh, and Okpo-Krika in Delta; Rijau in Niger; 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.
The ministry highlighted the dangers posed by rising water levels in major rivers.
“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.
“Relevant stakeholders should kindly take note,” the alert added.
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Authorities also appealed to state governments and emergency agencies to act swiftly to reduce the potential impact.
The directive comes shortly after torrential rains in Zaria, Kaduna State, displaced more than 470 children and destroyed at least 270 houses.
Flooding has continued to devastate parts of Nigeria in recent years, fueled by inadequate drainage systems, rapid urbanisation, and climate change.
As of September 4, at least 231 people had died in flood-related incidents this year, with 114 others still missing and over 600 injured, according to the National Emergency Management Agency.
Data also show that floods in 2024 affected over 5.2 million people across 35 states, leading to more than 1,200 deaths and displacing over a million residents.
