The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Umar, has activated the Borno State Operations Office to deploy an emergency response team to support ongoing rescue efforts following a tragic boat mishap in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The NEMA team is working in collaboration with the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen the search and rescue operations.
The boat mishap occurred on Saturday, 3 January 2026, and involved a canoe conveying 52 passengers travelling from Adiyani town in Guri LGA of Jigawa State to Garbi town in Nguru LGA of Yobe State.
The passengers were reportedly returning from fishing and farming activities when the canoe capsized midway across the water channel.
So far, 25 persons have been confirmed dead, while 13 persons have been successfully rescued through the combined efforts of emergency responders and community volunteers.
Fourteen persons remain missing as search and rescue operations are still ongoing. NEMA’s Director-General, Zubaida Umar, expressed deep sympathy to the families of the deceased and reaffirmed the commitment of NEMA to continue working closely with the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, the local emergency management committee, local divers, and community volunteers to support the operation