The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued a red alert over imminent flooding, as major rivers and dams across the country have reached critical water levels, placing several communities at risk.

In a statement signed by its Director General, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, NiHSA said the Rivers Niger and Benue have attained peak flow, with their key tributaries Rima, Kaduna, and Gongola also at maximum capacity. Several dams are currently releasing excess water, increasing the likelihood of downstream flooding.

"There is a significant flood wave moving downstream. Communities along the Rivers Niger and Benue must take urgent steps to protect lives and property," the agency warned.

According to the statement, the Kainji and Jebba dams on the River Niger are discharging water, with Kainji's reservoir level at 138.69 metres and Jebba's at 102.20 metres. Coordinated spillage is expected to further raise water levels downstream.

Communities most at risk include Kainji, Patigi, New Bussa, Borgu, Mokwa (in Niger and Kwara states), Jebba, Gungu, Gana, Fanga, Bele, Gaba, and Baro (in Kwara and Kogi states).

In Sokoto State, Goronyo Dam has reached its design capacity of 288 meters and is spilling at maximum rate, already flooding Goronyo, Wamako, Shinaka Yerimawa, Kurukuru, and nearby villages.

Similarly, Kiri Dam in Adamawa State is discharging excess water, inundating communities such as Kiri, Tallum, Banjiram, Shelleng, and Purokayo-Lakumna. Although Zungeru Dam is not spilling yet, its reservoir level has climbed to 229.15 meters and is under close observation.

NiHSA also confirmed that Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, which impacts Nigeria's River Benue basin, is not currently releasing water but is at a high level of 37 meters out of its 40-meter capacity. It explained that flooding in Adamawa communities, including Yola North, Yola South, Girei, and Numan, is due to heavy rainfall and local runoff, not releases from Lagdo.

The agency urged residents in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer grounds and called on state and local authorities to activate emergency response plans. "We are working closely with dam operators to mitigate the impacts, but downstream communities must act now," NiHSA said.