The Federal Government announced plans to activate surveillance measures for incoming passengers from China in response to a recent surge of respiratory infections linked to the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). Reports indicate that the virus has caused overcrowded hospitals, emergency measures, and public concerns in northern Chinese provinces, particularly among children under 14.

Neighboring countries like Cambodia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong are monitoring the situation closely, though they have reported only isolated cases. Chinese authorities have implemented measures such as increased monitoring, mask usage, social distancing, and disinfection of public spaces to curb the spread of the virus.

HMPV, a seasonal respiratory virus similar to RSV, typically peaks during winter and spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces. Symptoms range from cough and fever to severe cases involving bronchitis or pneumonia. Unlike COVID-19, HMPV generally causes milder illnesses.

The outbreak comes five years after the emergence of COVID-19, which infected over 777 million people globally and caused more than seven million deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

In response to the HMPV surge, China launched a pilot program to track pneumonia of unknown origins, ensuring timely reporting and management. Despite concerns, Chinese officials have downplayed the severity, describing it as an annual winter occurrence with fewer cases than the previous year.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed plans to enhance surveillance and implement preventive measures. Dr. John Oladejo, Director of Special Duties at the NCDC, stated that incoming passengers from China might face quarantine measures to curb potential spread.

Medical experts have supported the government's move, emphasizing the need for continuous surveillance. Dr. Moses Adewumi from the University College Hospital, Ibadan, noted that increased vigilance is critical, especially in monitoring potential variants of the virus. He urged the government to invest more in local research and surveillance.

Similarly, Dr. Oladipo Kolawole, an Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases and Genomics, praised the surveillance plan as an essential step to detect and manage potential outbreaks. He highlighted the importance of screening at entry points, quarantine protocols, and overall public health preparedness to mitigate risks.

WHO has advised global adherence to preventive measures, including vaccination against respiratory pathogens, mask wearing, handwashing, and maintaining good ventilation. While no specific travel restrictions have been recommended, travelers experiencing symptoms are encouraged to seek medical attention promptly.

First identified in Pakistan in 2001, HMPV has caused periodic outbreaks, mainly in Asia, but remains new to Africa. Experts caution that proactive measures are necessary to prevent its introduction and spread on the continent.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended a Lagos socialite, 61-year-old Alhaja Aishat Feyisara Ajoke Elediye, on New Year’s Day at her mansion in Okota, Lagos. Her arrest followed the interception of a truckload of alleged illicit drugs transported by one of her staff members on the same day.

NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, in a statement, revealed that Alhaja Ajoke, known in social circles as "Iya Ruka," had been on the agency's wanted list for years due to her suspected leadership of a drug cartel operating out of Mushin, Lagos. Acting on intelligence, NDLEA operatives intercepted a truck carrying 44 jumbo sacks containing 1,540 kilograms of imported cannabis. The truck was driven by her employee, 41-year-old Abideen Adio. This led to a raid on her residence, located at 33 Adebayo Oyewole Street, Okota, where she was arrested.

Although Alhaja Ajoke outwardly appeared to be a legitimate businesswoman importing fabrics and shoes from China, investigations revealed her deep involvement in the illicit drug trade. She is also known as the "Iyalaje" of Blessing Sisters, an influential Lagos-based social club.

In another high-profile operation, NDLEA officers arrested US-trained filmmaker and motivational speaker Emeka Emmanuel Mbadiwe in a hotel room in Lekki. His arrest followed the earlier detention of his associate, Uzoekwe Ugochukwu James, who was caught at a warehouse in Ajao Estate, Ikeja, with a shipment of 33 parcels of Loud (a potent cannabis strain) weighing 17.3 kilograms. The shipment had arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on December 24, 2024, from the United States, concealed in large wooden boxes.

Meanwhile, in Ilorin, Kwara State, NDLEA operatives arrested 24-year-old graduate Khadijat Abdulraheem and a 20-year-old university student, Ayomide Morakinyo, for producing and selling drug-laced cupcakes to students. During a raid on their residence, 42 drug-infused cupcakes were seized.

Additionally, ex-convict Sodade Sunday Eniola, previously arrested for drug trafficking in June 2024, has been apprehended again for passport racketeering. NDLEA officers discovered 52 passports concealed in shoe soles and food items during inspections at the Lagos airport’s export shed. Further investigations led to the arrest of three others linked to the racket.

In another operation, NDLEA officers in Port Harcourt seized 316,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup from two containers during a joint inspection with customs and other security agencies. In Kano, operatives recovered 149,090 pills of tramadol and Exol-5 during a raid on a local dealer in Dala Local Government Area.

The NDLEA continues to intensify its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, with sensitization programs held in markets, mosques, schools, and workplaces nationwide. Chairman/CEO of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the agency's officers for their dedication to combating drug supply and demand, highlighting their significant contributions to national security.