Severe flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State, has led to a major crisis, with dangerous animals such as crocodiles and snakes escaping from the Shehu Kyarimi Park (Zoo) and invading nearby areas. The flooding, which began Monday night, has submerged various locations, including the University of Maiduguri, its Teaching Hospital, and several neighborhoods like Gwange, Moromoro, and 500 Abbagana housing estate.
The disaster has displaced millions of residents and caused billions of naira in property damage. As people flee to safer areas like Bulumkutu and Gomari Airport, President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima have called for immediate evacuations and promised federal support. Former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso have also urged the government to act quickly to aid affected communities.
The Nigerian Prisons Service is working to safely transfer inmates from the flooded Medium Security Custodial Centre in Maiduguri. The federal government, along with emergency agencies, is mobilizing resources to provide assistance and address the unprecedented scale of the disaster, which has been described as the worst flood in the region in over 30 years.