The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu has directed police personnel nationwide to observe appropriate infection-prevention measures while carrying out their duties and to refer suspected cases to qualified health professionals promptly.
Disu also urged Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant after the Federal Government confirmed an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He called on residents to observe strict preventive measures maintain personal hygiene and cooperate with public health authorities to prevent the disease from spreading.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja the Force Public Relations Officer CSP Ani Iniedu said the police chief stressed the need to protect lives through public awareness and strict adherence to health guidelines.
The statement advised Nigerians to wash their hands regularly with soap and water avoid direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of suspected cases and stay away from potentially contaminated items.
It also warned against touching or washing the bodies of people suspected to have died from Ebola urging members of the public to leave such responsibilities to trained personnel following guidance from health authorities.
The police urged anyone who might have been exposed to the virus to contact health authorities promptly for advice.
It added that 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 its toll-free helpline 6232 for immediate guidance.
The IGP further emphasised that suspected patients their contacts and healthcare workers must be treated with dignity and without discrimination.
The Force also urged Nigerians to cooperate with contact-tracing teams and provide accurate information to health officials when required.
It cautioned against spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary panic advising the public to rely on official updates from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare the NCDC and other authorised public health agencies.
The Nigeria Police Force assured residents of its commitment to supporting relevant health authorities in protecting lives and maintaining public order during the period.