Borno state Governor Babagana Zulum described the extent of the damage as "beyond human imagination". This is the first time that the Nigerian authorities have admitted to the numbers who fled custody.

Nigeria has warned of potential flooding that could affect 11 states, as Cameroon said it would start releasing water to ease pressure on its largest dam. More than 400,000 people in Nigeria are already facing the devastating impacts of a recent flood across western and central Africa.