RismadarVoice Reporters
October 26, 2026
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has urged Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant and comply with preventive health measures following the confirmation of an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Disu also called for public cooperation with health authorities, warning that misinformation, discrimination and disregard for medical advice could undermine efforts to contain the disease.
The appeal was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
According to the statement, the police chief emphasised the importance of personal hygiene, public awareness and early reporting of suspected infections.
He advised Nigerians to wash their hands regularly with soap and water, avoid direct contact with the blood and body fluids of suspected Ebola patients, and stay away from potentially contaminated materials.
The IGP also warned against touching or washing the bodies of individuals suspected to have died from Ebola, stressing that such activities should be handled by appropriately trained health personnel.
People who may have been exposed to the virus were advised to contact health authorities promptly for assessment and guidance.
Disu urged anyone who develops symptoms after possible exposure to avoid physical contact with others and call the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) through its toll-free helpline, 6232.
He further directed police officers nationwide to observe appropriate infection prevention measures while carrying out their duties.
The officers were instructed to refer suspected cases to qualified healthcare professionals rather than attempt to manage them without appropriate medical expertise.
Disu stressed that suspected patients, identified contacts and healthcare workers must be treated with dignity and without discrimination.
The police also encouraged Nigerians to cooperate with contact-tracing teams, provide accurate information and avoid circulating unverified reports capable of causing unnecessary panic.
The warning comes as the NCDC continues its response to the Ebola infection confirmed in Abuja on October 20.
According to the agency’s October 24 situation report, 53 contacts had been identified for monitoring, while a separate suspected case in Rivers State tested negative.
The NCDC subsequently reaffirmed that Nigeria had recorded one confirmed case and that public health teams were working to prevent further transmission.
The Nigeria Police Force pledged continued support for health authorities in protecting lives and maintaining public order.
Disu urged residents to obtain information from the NCDC, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and other authorised health agencies.
He maintained that responsible behaviour, timely reporting and cooperation were essential to protecting communities during the public health response.
