Nigeria Moves to Strengthen Border Checks as Ebola Cases Rise in DRC.

Amid growing concern over a new outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Nigerian authorities have introduced tighter health checks at all points of entry across the country.

Dr. Akpan Nse, Director of Port Health Services at the Federal Ministry of Health, said the move was necessary due to Nigeria’s heavy travel links with the DRC. According to him, all travellers arriving from Congo or transiting through the country will now face compulsory screening upon arrival at airports, seaports, and land borders.

“Surveillance has been intensified nationwide. Every inbound traveller from Congo undergoes medical checks, and we collect their health history through mandatory forms,” Nse explained. He added that additional officers have been deployed, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), to ensure comprehensive monitoring.

The heightened alert follows confirmation of a fresh outbreak in Kasai Province, where WHO reported 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths as of September 4, 2025. Laboratory analysis conducted at the National Institute of Biomedical Research in Kinshasa confirmed the presence of Ebola Zaire, the deadliest strain of the virus.

The WHO noted that patients in the affected Bulape and Mweka health zones presented symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and haemorrhage. Nigerian health authorities say they are determined to prevent any importation of the virus while working closely with international partners to monitor the evolving situation.