News

NEMA Steps Up Flood Response Efforts Across Nigeria

Published

1 year ago

August 16, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

NEMA Steps Up Flood Response Efforts Across Nigeria

By: Abdulkadir Ibrahim

In the wake of recent devastating floods that have severely impacted communities across Nigeria, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has intensified its efforts to mitigate the effects and provide essential relief to those affected. The scale of the disaster is significant, with 27 states affected, over 227,000 people displaced or impacted, 32,837 houses destroyed, and 16,488 hectares of farmland ravaged, according to data from NEMA’s Emergency Operations Centre.

This latest flood disaster underscores the vulnerability of many communities across the country to extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. NEMA’s rapid response is crucial in providing immediate relief and preventing further loss of life and property.

Proactive Measures and Timely Response

NEMA’s swift and decisive response to these flooding incidents highlights the agency’s commitment to disaster preparedness and proactive crisis management. Even before the floods struck, NEMA had taken steps to ensure a rapid response by mobilizing search and rescue teams, and placing all its zonal and operational offices on high alert. This foresight and readiness were essential in mitigating the immediate impacts of the floods, allowing for a quick deployment of resources and personnel to the most affected areas.

One of the key aspects of NEMA’s response strategy has been its collaboration with the various State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs). By working closely with state governments, NEMA has been able to conduct comprehensive assessments of the flood’s impact and coordinate the deployment of relief materials. These efforts have been instrumental in ensuring that assistance reaches those in need without delay.

The relief items stockpiled for immediate deployment by NEMA include essential supplies such as food, clothing, medical supplies, and temporary shelter. These items are critical in providing immediate support to displaced individuals and families, helping them to stabilize their situation as they begin the process of rebuilding their lives. The agency’s ability to rapidly mobilize and deliver these resources reflects its operational efficiency and the importance of its preparedness measures.

Public Awareness and Preventive Measures

While immediate relief efforts are essential, NEMA is also focused on long-term strategies to reduce the impact of future flooding incidents. One of the core components of this strategy is public education. NEMA has intensified its public sensitization campaigns, which are designed to raise awareness about the importance of solid waste management and the need to keep drainages and waterways clear. Blocked waterways are a major cause of flooding, and by addressing this issue, NEMA hopes to reduce the frequency and severity of future floods.

Grassroots awareness programs have been rolled out across the country, targeting communities that are particularly vulnerable to flooding. These programs involve workshops and advocacy campaigns aimed at educating residents on how to protect their environment and reduce the risk of floods. NEMA is also working with local governments and community leaders to promote the adoption of best practices in waste management and environmental stewardship.

Director General Zubaida Umar has been at the forefront of these efforts, emphasizing the critical role that communities play in flood prevention and response. She has urged communities living along waterways and in other high-risk areas to take proactive measures by relocating to safer, higher grounds ahead of the peak rainy season. Such preemptive actions are vital in reducing the potential for casualties and significant property damage.

Call to Action for Stakeholders

In addition to its efforts at the community level, NEMA is calling on all stakeholders involved in disaster management to remain vigilant and prepared to activate their flood response plans at short notice. With the increasing frequency of flood incidents, it is essential that SEMAs, local governments, and community leaders are ready to respond quickly and effectively to protect lives and property.

Director General Umar has also addressed concerns from farmers regarding the temporary dry season being experienced in some states. She assured them that this situation is temporary and is in line with the seasonal climate predictions released earlier this year by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). She advised farmers to remain calm and continue their agricultural activities, while staying informed about weather updates to ensure they can take appropriate action when necessary.

Commitment to Efficient Disaster Management

NEMA’s ongoing efforts to address the recent floods and prevent future disasters highlight the agency’s unwavering commitment to efficient disaster management in Nigeria. The agency’s proactive approach, which includes early preparedness, public education, and strong collaboration with state and local governments, serves as a model for disaster management practices across the country.

As Nigeria continues to face the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation, NEMA’s work is more important than ever. The agency’s ability to coordinate timely responses, enhance public awareness, and foster collaboration among various stakeholders is critical in mitigating the effects of natural disasters and ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens.

NEMA’s efforts also underscore the importance of community involvement in disaster management. By empowering communities with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves, NEMA is helping to build a more resilient nation, capable of withstanding the increasing threat of natural disasters.

Looking Ahead

The challenges of managing natural disasters in Nigeria are complex and multifaceted, requiring a coordinated and sustained effort from all levels of government, as well as the active participation of the public. NEMA’s proactive stance, combined with its emphasis on preparedness, education, and collaboration, will be crucial in addressing these challenges and reducing the impact of future disasters.

As the rainy season continues, NEMA will remain vigilant, ready to respond to new flood incidents as they arise. The agency’s commitment to protecting lives and property, coupled with its focus on long-term disaster prevention, positions it as a key player in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to manage and mitigate the risks associated with natural disasters.

*Abdulkadir Ibrahim
Press Unit NEMA Headquarters Abuja
16th August 2024

NEMA Steps Up Flood Response Efforts Across Nigeria

Related Topics:Flood Response Efforts NEMA Steps Up

Up Next

Zulum rehabilitates Konduga LG secretariat after 20 years of neglect

Don't Miss

World Humanitarian Day 2024: Moving Minds Alliance Calls for Urgent Action to Support Young Children in Humanitarian Crises

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Click to comment

News

80 militants surrender arms, embrace amnesty in Cross River

Published

2 hours ago

January 17, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

80 militants surrender arms, embrace amnesty in Cross River

By: Zagazola Makama

No fewer than 80 militants operating in the creeks of Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State have voluntarily surrendered their arms and embraced the state government’s peace and reintegration Amnesty framework.

The militants came out in large numbers from the creeks on Friday at Atimbo Rear Area under Operation OKWOK, within the Area of Responsibility of Headquarters 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army and is already being described by as a strategic breakthrough in the fight against coastal militancy and maritime crime in southern Cross River.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the surrender was the outcome of months of sustained military pressure combined with discreet dialogue involving community leaders, government officials and security agencies.

Two militant camps dismantled themselves in one coordinated move. The first camp, headed by ThankGod Ebikontei, popularly known as Ayibanuagha, presented 39 fighters. Four additional members, officials said, are expected to report in the coming days.

The second camp, commanded by John Isaac, alias Akpokolo, brought forward 41 fighters. His group, widely known along the waterways as the Akpokolo Marine Forces or “Border Boys,” had controlled large stretches of creeks linking Cross River to neighbouring coastal corridors.

Ten more of his fighters are also expected to join the amnesty process. In total, 80 militants formally stepped out of the creeks and into a state-supervised disarmament and rehabilitation programme.

The disarmament was not symbolic. A significant cache of weapons, equipment and operational assets was voluntarily handed over, illustrating the firepower the groups once commanded.

The sources said that items surrendered included AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, a Mark 4 rifle, a G3 rifle, multiple single-barrel guns, magazines, speedboats, high-powered boat engines, locally fabricated pistols and assorted military kits.

Of particular concern to security officials was the surrender of an explosive charge and live ammunition, which draw to the attention of the destructive capacity the groups had at their disposal. Also surrendered were machetes, camouflage clothing, tactical vests, knee and elbow guards, and communication tools, all of which painted a picture of organised armed groups rather than loosely structured criminal gangs.

For the Nigerian Army, the scale and quality of the surrendered items confirmed that the amnesty was reaching core actors, not just foot soldiers.

Brig.-Gen. P.O. Alimikhena, Commander of 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, described the development as a “confidence-building milestone” that validates the military’s dual-track strategy.

“This voluntary surrender shows that consistent operations, combined with constructive dialogue and strong collaboration with the Cross River State Government and other security agencies, can deliver peace,” Alimikhena said.

“We will continue to secure the environment while supporting lawful initiatives that reintegrate repentant youths and ensure lasting stability.”he said.

Military sources said the success in Akpabuyo followed intensified patrols, improved intelligence flow and engagement with local power structures in creek communities.

After the formal disarmament, the former militants were handed over to the Cross River State Government’s Rapid Response Team.
They are currently undergoing profiling by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Muka Sam Hotel in Ikot Ansa, Calabar.

The exercise is designed to verify identities, assess security risks and determine eligibility for rehabilitation, skills training and reintegration support. Officials said the profiling phase is crucial to ensuring that only genuine repentant militants benefit from the programme and that criminal elements do not exploit the amnesty.

Akpabuyo Local Government Area sits along a strategic maritime corridor that links Cross River’s inland communities to coastal and cross-border trading routes. For years, militancy in the area has affected fishing, boat transport, palm produce trade and cross-border commerce with Cameroon.

Sea robbery, illegal taxation of fishermen, extortion and violent turf battles turned the creeks into zones of fear. The collective withdrawal of two major camps in one day is therefore both a psychological and operational shift. It sends a signal that militancy is no longer the dominant survival strategy for youths in the area.

The Nigerian Army credited the success of the Akpabuyo amnesty to what it called “effective civil-military collaboration,” singling out the Cross River State Government under Gov. Bassey Edet Otu for sustained political backing, coordination and logistical support.

Sources said the state government’s willingness to invest in dialogue, rehabilitation and youth empowerment made the option of peace more attractive than continued life in the creeks.

Beyond the powerful images of surrendered weapons and surrendered men, officials insist the hardest phase lies ahead. Reintegration, monitoring and economic re-engagement will determine whether the peace holds or unravels.

Headquarters 13 Brigade has reaffirmed its commitment to consolidating the gains, warning that while the door to peace remains open, security forces will maintain pressure against any group that chooses violence over dialogue.

They has urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that the breakthrough in Akpabuyo is not an endpoint, but the foundation for a safer and more stable Cross River State.

80 militants surrender arms, embrace amnesty in Cross River

News

Zulum Dismisses Claims of Favoring Candidates for APC Congress

Published

10 hours ago

January 17, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Zulum Dismisses Claims of Favoring Candidates for APC Congress

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has firmly dismissed rumours circulating that he has anointed individuals for executive positions in the forthcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) party congresses.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, the Governor described the claims as the handiwork of mischief-makers seeking to cause disaffection within the party.

Governor Zulum emphasised that he has not in any fora endorsed any candidate for any party position, whether in Gwoza Local Government Area or any of the state’s 27 local government areas.

“Let me categorically state that I have not anointed any person for the position of Chairman or Secretary of APC in Gwoza local government in the forthcoming party congress. I wish to also stress that I have not anointed any person for any position in the APC congress in any of the 27 local government areas,” Governor Zulum stated.

He further called on party members to disregard the false information, saying, “I am calling on our party faithful and supporters to disregard the rumour as it is a calculated attempt to create disaffection and derail the party from its trajectory.”

The Governor instead urged party stakeholders to continue constructive consultations aimed at identifying credible candidates to be fielded for all party positions.

Zulum Dismisses Claims of Favoring Candidates for APC Congress

News

VP Shettima Arrives In Guinea For President Doumbouya’s Inauguration

Published

10 hours ago

January 17, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

VP Shettima Arrives In Guinea For President Doumbouya’s Inauguration

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Conakry, the capital of Guinea, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of President-elect Mamady Doumbouya.

The Vice President was received by senior Guinean government officials and members of the Nigerian diplomatic corps ahead of the official ceremony, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 17, at the GLC Stadium in Nongo.

The inauguration of President Doumbouya follows his victory in the December 2025 general elections, signalling the formal end of a four-year military transition.

The Vice President’s attendance at the inauguration affirms Nigeria’s leadership role within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its commitment to the restoration of constitutional order across the sub-region.

Under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, Nigeria has continued to position itself as a stabilising force, advocating for democratic governance as a prerequisite for regional prosperity.