NEMA intensifies grassroots flood preparedness, receives stranded Nigerians from Niger

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KEBBI, Nigeria (NPA) — The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Kebbi Team, has taken the 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign (NPRC) on flood disaster and related hazards to Maurida community in Kebbi State, a flood‑prone area that experiences recurring annual inundations.

Joined by officials of the Kebbi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other stakeholders, the team carried out a sensitisation exercise aimed at reducing the impact of flooding. Residents, especially household heads, were briefed on the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) and Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) for 2026, and urged to adopt proactive measures to safeguard lives and property.

NEMA cautioned against indiscriminate dumping of refuse in waterways and warned residents not to erect structures on floodplains. Vulnerable households in riverine areas were advised to relocate to higher grounds.

To aid awareness, NEMA presented its Hausa‑translated flood preparedness publication to the District Head of Maurida, Alhaji Aliyu Garba, who commended the initiative and pledged community cooperation.

In a related development, NEMA announced the safe return of 497 stranded Nigerians from the Niger Republic under a special repatriation exercise at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) on May 22, 2026. The returnees included 174 adult males, 97 adult females, 137 male children, and 89 female children.

The reception was coordinated by Dr Nura Abdullahi, Head of NEMA Kano Operations Office, who assured that humanitarian assistance and emergency support services were provided. NEMA emphasised that the exercise aligns with its statutory mandate to protect lives and property, while commending the cooperation of security agencies and partners.

The agency reiterated its commitment to delivering timely humanitarian assistance and strengthening disaster preparedness nationwide, stressing that both flood sensitisation and repatriation efforts reflect its proactive approach to safeguarding vulnerable communities.