Police to support health authorities as Nigerians are urged to follow preventive measures and report suspected exposure

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has directed police personnel to observe appropriate infection prevention measures in the discharge of their duties and promptly refer suspected Ebola cases to qualified health professionals following the confirmation of a case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The directive forms part of measures by the Nigeria Police Force to support public health authorities in containing the disease and preventing further transmission.

IGP Disu urged Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant, stressing the importance of personal hygiene, public awareness and strict adherence to preventive measures in safeguarding lives.

He advised members of the public to wash their hands regularly with soap and water, avoid direct contact with the blood and body fluids of suspected cases, and stay away from potentially contaminated items. Nigerians were also cautioned against touching or washing the bodies of persons suspected to have died from Ebola.

The IGP further advised anyone who may have been exposed to the virus to contact health authorities promptly for guidance. Individuals who develop symptoms following possible exposure should avoid physical contact with others and call the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) on its toll-free helpline, 6232, for immediate guidance.

Emphasising the need to protect the dignity of everyone affected, IGP Disu stressed that suspected patients, contacts and healthcare workers must be treated with dignity and without discrimination.

He also called on Nigerians to cooperate with contact-tracing teams, provide accurate information when required and refrain from spreading unverified reports capable of causing unnecessary panic.

The Force urged the public to rely on official information from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the NCDC and other authorised public health agencies.

The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to supporting relevant health authorities in protecting lives and maintaining public order throughout the response.

The IGP reiterated that protecting public health is a shared responsibility, urging Nigerians to remain informed, observe preventive measures and avoid stigmatising anyone affected by the outbreak.