The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has called on Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant and cooperate with health authorities following the confirmation of an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the IGP stressed the need for personal hygiene, public awareness and compliance with preventive measures to limit the spread of the disease.
Disu advised Nigerians to wash their hands regularly with soap and water, avoid contact with the blood and body fluids of suspected cases, and stay away from potentially contaminated materials. He also warned against touching or washing the bodies of people suspected to have died from Ebola.
The police chief urged anyone who suspects exposure to the virus to contact health authorities promptly. He advised individuals who develop symptoms after possible exposure to avoid physical contact with others and call the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention on its toll-free helpline, 6232, for guidance.
Disu also directed police officers to observe appropriate infection prevention measures while on duty and refer suspected cases to qualified health professionals. He emphasised that suspected patients, contacts and healthcare workers must be treated with dignity and without discrimination.
The Nigeria Police Force urged the public to cooperate with contact-tracing teams, provide accurate information and avoid spreading unverified claims. It reaffirmed its commitment to supporting health authorities, urging Nigerians to rely on official updates and recognise that protecting public health is a shared responsibility.
