Following the collapse of the Alou Dam, which caused severe flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State, the Nigerian military has taken charge of rescue operations to assist affected residents.
Unusually heavy rainfall led to the dam’s failure, flooding most of Maiduguri, including the Shehu of Borno Palace.
The military quickly deployed soldiers to carry out search and rescue missions in the hardest-hit areas, including the Customs area, where people were stranded.
Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), extended his condolences to the people of Borno, Governor Babagana Zulum, and the Shehu of Borno. He praised the ongoing efforts by federal, state, and non-governmental agencies to provide relief and support to those affected by the disaster.
Approximately 70 per cent of Maiduguri has been submerged, with key locations like the state secretariat and major markets severely impacted.
At least 30 people have lost their lives, and over 400 displaced since the flooding occurred.