IGP Urges Calm, Vigilance, Directs Police to Enforce Ebola Safety Measures

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has directed police personnel to observe strict infection prevention measures and refer suspected Ebola cases to qualified health professionals.

Disu also urged Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant, while cooperating with public health authorities to prevent further transmission of the disease.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Police Force, Force Headquarters, Abuja, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday following the Federal Government’s confirmation of an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The IGP stressed the importance of personal hygiene and public awareness, urging Nigerians to follow health guidelines and avoid actions that could expose them to infection.

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.

The police chief also warned against touching or washing the bodies of people suspected to have died from Ebola, given the risk of transmission.

Anyone who may have been exposed to the virus should contact health authorities promptly for guidance, the statement said.

People who develop symptoms after possible exposure should avoid physical contact with others and call the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) on 6232 for immediate advice.

Disu further urged the public to treat suspected patients, identified contacts and healthcare workers with dignity, warning against discrimination and stigmatisation.

He called on Nigerians to cooperate with contact-tracing teams and provide accurate information when requested to help health authorities identify and monitor people who may have been exposed.

The Force also cautioned against spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic. It advised the public to rely on updates from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the NCDC and other authorised public health agencies.

The Nigeria Police Force pledged to support relevant health authorities in protecting lives and maintaining public order during the outbreak.

The IGP reiterated that preventing the spread of Ebola requires collective responsibility, urging Nigerians to remain informed, observe preventive measures and avoid stigmatising those affected by the disease.