NIWA fake boat accident report debunked as authorities deny claims that 150 bandits died in a Sokoto State waterway incident

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has firmly dismissed reports claiming that about 150 bandits drowned in a boat accident in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, describing the story as entirely false and misleading.

Also read: Why Calvin Bassey Is Struggling to Reclaim Fulham Starting Spot, Says Juwon Oshaniwa

The NIWA fake boat accident report was refuted on Monday, 2026, in Sokoto by the Area Manager of the NIWA Zonal Office, Mr Bello Bala, who stated that no such incident occurred within the authority’s jurisdiction or along any navigable waterways in the area.

Mr Bala explained that the river referenced in the circulating report is not navigable, stressing that if such a large-scale incident had taken place, it would have been promptly reported by local water users and community safety associations.

He urged media organisations to exercise caution and verify sensitive security-related information from credible sources before publication, warning that the spread of misinformation can create unnecessary panic and confusion among the public.

The NIWA fake boat accident report was also independently dismissed by a source from the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto, who confirmed that troops operating in the region had no record of any such occurrence involving bandits or a boat mishap.

The military source added that security personnel remain fully deployed across affected areas and continue to monitor waterways and surrounding communities to ensure public safety and stability.

Also read: NIWA Warns Ogun Residents Over Dangerous Waterway Safety

NIWA reiterated its ongoing engagement with riverine communities on safety practices, including the use of life jackets and adherence to established waterway regulations, as part of broader efforts to prevent real accidents and improve water transport safety.