Following the Federal Government’s confirmation of an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu has stepped forward to urge citizens across the country to remain calm, stay vigilant, and strictly follow public health guidelines.
In a statement issued on October 26, 2026, by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the police leadership stressed that individual awareness and personal hygiene are essential to safeguarding lives and stopping the spread of the virus.
Authorities are strongly advising the public to wash their hands regularly with soap and water, steer clear of direct contact with the blood and body fluids of suspected cases, and avoid potentially contaminated items. Citizens are also explicitly cautioned against touching or washing the bodies of individuals who are suspected to have died from Ebola.
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed is urged to reach out to health professionals right away. Individuals who begin developing symptoms after potential exposure should immediately avoid physical contact with others and call the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) toll-free helpline at 6232 for prompt guidance.
On the operational front, the IGP has directed all police personnel to strictly observe infection prevention protocols while carrying out their duties and to promptly refer any suspected cases to qualified medical professionals. He emphasised that suspected patients, their contacts, and healthcare workers must be treated with absolute dignity and free from any form of discrimination.
The Force is also making a heartfelt appeal to the public to cooperate fully with contact-tracing teams, provide accurate information when required, and resist spreading unverified rumours that could spark unnecessary panic. Nigerians are encouraged to stick strictly to official updates provided by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the NCDC, and other authorised health agencies.
Reassuring the nation, the Nigeria Police Force pledged its ongoing support to health authorities to protect lives and maintain public order during this critical time.
“Protecting public health is a shared responsibility,” the statement noted. “Stay informed, remain vigilant and do not stigmatise.”
