Debunk - News Agency Of Nigeria

Tosin Kolade
Jul, Tue, 2025

FG debunks Lagdo dam water release rumour

By Akpan Glory

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation says no water has been released from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, contrary to reports circulating in the media.

The Minister, Prof. Joseph Utsev, said this in a statement, following his communication with the Lagdo Dam Manager, Ahmad Bivoung.

Utsev said the dam was currently at a low level of 2.06 metres and that no discharge had taken place.

He said the ministry was in constant contact with Cameroonian authorities and would promptly inform Nigerians of any official release.

“The public is advised to disregard false reports and remain calm, while continuing to observe flood preparedness and safety measures earlier issued, “the statement read.

He urged communities receiving early warning alerts, especially those in Lokoja (Kogi), Wurobokki (Adamawa) and Makurdi (Benue), to remain vigilant and consult the NIHSA Flood Dashboard for reliable updates.

The minister also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to flood management and water infrastructure development along the Benue Trough.

He said this included proactive reservoir operations of existing dams on Benue tributaries to prevent panic releases.

He added that the Kashimbila Dam in Taraba was being used for flood control, while work on the upgrade of the Wannune Dam and the design of the Dura Dam in Benue had reached advanced stages.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Utsev had earlier announced plans to construct the Datsin Hausa Dam in Adamawa to serve as a buffer against flooding from water releases by Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam.

He made this known at the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing, stating that the government was undertaking the study and design of the dam as part of broader efforts to safeguard Nigerians from recurring flood threats.

According to him, the ministry has engaged the expertise of a transaction adviser for its construction under a Public-Private Partnership agreement. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Tosin Kolade
Dec, Mon, 2024

Defence/Security

No French military base in Maiduguri- Army

By Hamza Suleiman

The Headquarters, Theatre Command, Joint Task Force, North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) of the Nigerian Army, has dismissed claims of the establishment of a French military base in Maiduguri.

In a statement on Monday, Capt. Reuben Kovangiya, Army Public Relations, OPHK, described the claims as baseless and misleading.

The clarification followed allegations by a social media influencer, Mahdi Shehu, on his X handle, claiming that a French military base had been established in Maiduguri.

Shehu supported his claim with a video showing the acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Brig.-Gen. Abubakar Haruna, alongside a foreign officer, who he alleged to be a French military representative.

Kovangiya, however, clarified that the video in question was recorded during a recent press briefing at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, after the donation of equipment to the army by the British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT).

“The officer seen in the video is a representative of BMATT, not a French military official.

“The donation, received by the Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Oct. 25, was part of an ongoing military partnership with BMATT to strengthen counter-IED capabilities in the theatre of operations,” he said.

Kovangiya emphasised that there was no French military presence in Maiduguri, nor any plans to establish one.

He accused Shehu of deliberately spreading falsehoods and attempting to manipulate public opinion through the use of doctored content.

“The claims made by Shehu Mahdi are baseless misrepresentations and a deliberate attempt to cause misinformation and incite the public.

“Such antics are malicious and aimed at gaining cheap popularity,” he added. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo