Flood: NiMet raises fresh alarm, places FCT, Benue, 25 other states on red alert

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, has issued a fresh flash flood warning for 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

The agency placed Bauchi, Jigawa, Taraba, Adamawa, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, and Kogi among the northern states at high risk of flooding between July 11 and July 20, 2026.

According to NiMet, the heightened flood risk is due to persistent rainfall currently being recorded across the nation.

NiMet said the flooding left soils across many parts of the country fully saturated and unable to absorb additional rainwater.

The warning was contained in the NiMet’s Probable Flash Flood Risk Map for the Second Dekad, July 11–20, 2026 made available to reporters on Sunday.

Other states identified as vulnerable include Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, and Bayelsa, as well as the Federal Capital Territory.

NiMet explained that the combination of continuous rainfall and already waterlogged ground conditions is expected to trigger widespread flash floods.

It expressed worries particularly in low-lying communities, urban centres, and areas with poor drainage systems.