Health
Ebola Scare: Niger AEC intensifies Surveillance After Abuja Case
…Directs Hospitals to Report Suspected Cases, Deploys Surveillance Teams
By Daniel Ebi, Minna
The Niger State Government has heightened its disease surveillance and emergency response measures following a reported case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, assuring residents that no case has been detected in the state.
The state Ministry of Health said it had placed its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) on heightened alert as part of precautionary measures to strengthen early detection, surveillance and rapid response to any potential threat.
The Commissioner for Health, Murtala Muhammad Bagana, disclosed this in an official statement issued on Wednesday, stressing that the move was aimed at safeguarding public health and preventing possible transmission of the virus.
He urged residents to remain calm, noting that the activation of emergency measures did not mean that Ebola had been detected in Niger State.
The development follows an announcement by the Federal Government on October 20, 2026, concerning an Ebola case involving a traveler who reportedly arrived from Uganda and was receiving treatment in isolation, while public health authorities monitored 44 identified close contacts.
Bagana said Niger State was strengthening its preparedness because of the high volume of human movement, commercial activities and daily travel between the state and neighbouring Abuja.
According to him, the government is working closely with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other relevant partners to ensure effective surveillance and coordinated emergency response.
As part of the measures, all public and private health facilities across the state have been directed to promptly report suspected cases to the appropriate public health authorities.
The commissioner also disclosed that Local Government Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) and response teams had been deployed to strengthen case identification, contact tracing, clinical assessment and safe referral procedures.
He said infection prevention and control measures had also been reinforced across health facilities to protect healthcare workers, patients and other members of the public.
Bagana emphasised the importance of early detection and prompt reporting, urging health workers to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to established public health protocols.
The commissioner advised residents to maintain proper personal hygiene, particularly through regular handwashing with soap and water or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers.
He further warned against direct contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of anyone suspected of having the disease, urging people who may have been exposed to seek guidance from public health authorities.
The ministry also cautioned against spreading unverified information or stigmatising individuals undergoing medical evaluation, stressing that living in or travelling to Niger State does not, in itself, constitute exposure to the virus.
Residents who develop symptoms or suspect they may have been exposed to Ebola were advised to isolate themselves and contact public health officials immediately for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.
The ministry released the following emergency contact numbers for public enquiries and suspected cases:
- Director of Public Health: 0703 458 3079
- State Epidemiologist: 0807 721 3070
- State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer: 0807 529 1989
- NCDC National Toll-Free Helpline: 6232
The commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to protecting the health and safety of residents, healthcare workers and visitors through proactive surveillance, public awareness and coordinated emergency preparedness.
He urged residents to remain vigilant, follow official health advisories and promptly report suspected cases rather than resort to panic or the circulation of unverified claims.
