Military deploys troops to rescue flood victims in Maiduguri

Troops of the Nigerian Army have been deployed to evacuate residents affected by flood in Maiduguri, Borno state.

On Tuesday, thousands of residents fled their homes following a flood that ravaged swathes of Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, and Bulabulin areas of Maiduguri.

The flood occurred due to the collapse of the Alau Dam which has been at full capacity for the past week.

Zagazola Makama, a publication focused on counter-insurgency in the Lake Chad region, said soldiers have been deployed to lead search and rescue efforts.

The army also forwarded images of the rescue operations to TheCable.

“A devastating flood ravaged the city of Maiduguri, Borno State, following the collapse of the Alau Dam in Konduga Local Government Area, prompting military response to rescue trapped civilians,” the publication said.

“The unprecedented rainfall caused water levels to rise, resulting in the dam’s failure and subsequent flooding of the entire Maiduguri Metropolitan Council.

“In response to the crisis, the military has activated its contingency plan to aid civil authorities. Soldiers have been deployed to lead search and rescue efforts, focusing on areas where victims are trapped.

“A particular area of concern is the Customs area, where people are stranded on a flyover bridge.

“Despite the challenging conditions, the military has bravely waded into the floods to rescue those in need. Their efforts have been instrumental in saving lives and providing hope to affected communities.”

The dam last collapsed on September 13, 1994, displacing about 400,000 residents.

President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate relocation of those impacted by the devastating floods.

He assured Babagana Zulum, Borno governor, of the federal government’s readiness to collaborate to address the immediate humanitarian needs.