Army, NEMA Strengthen Partnership to Boost Flood Preparedness, Disaster Response

The Nigerian Army and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration to improve disaster preparedness, emergency response and humanitarian assistance across the country, particularly as forecasts indicate an increased risk of flooding in several states.

The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the Director General of NEMA, Zubaida Abubakar Umar, to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief described disaster management as a critical component of Nigeria's national security architecture, stressing that the military remains committed to supporting civil authorities in responding to emergencies.

Lieutenant General Shaibu said the Nigerian Army had put in place specialised Disaster Response Units (DRUs) across the country's six geopolitical zones to ensure rapid deployment to flood-prone and other high-risk areas whenever the need arises.

He assured NEMA of the Army's readiness to provide timely and effective operational support during disasters, noting that enhanced inter agency cooperation would significantly improve emergency response efforts.

To further strengthen collaboration, the COAS directed the Chief of Training (Army) to grant NEMA access to the Land Forces Simulation Centre for joint tabletop exercises and scenario-based planning aimed at improving coordination, decision-making and operational readiness before field deployments.

The Army Chief also underscored the need for proactive disaster risk management, advocating intelligence-led strategies to minimise the impact of natural disasters. He urged NEMA to intensify surveillance of critical infrastructure such as dams and reservoirs while promoting regional cooperation on transboundary water management to mitigate seasonal flooding.

He maintained that effective disaster management depends on robust early warning systems, prompt dissemination of information and seamless collaboration among relevant agencies, adding that a coordinated national approach is essential to safeguard lives, protect infrastructure and sustain socio-economic development.

Earlier, NEMA Director General, Zubaida Abubakar Umar, commended the Nigerian Army for its continued support in disaster management operations across the country.

She disclosed that flood forecasts for the current rainy season indicate a high risk of flooding in 33 states, prompting the agency to plan simulation exercises in vulnerable states, including Oyo, Cross River and Adamawa, as part of efforts to improve preparedness.

Mrs. Umar also appealed for greater military support in engineering, aviation and search-and-rescue operations, saying such collaboration would significantly strengthen Nigeria's capacity to respond effectively to disasters and minimise their impact on affected communities.