The federal government has initiated urgent security measures to safeguard healthcare personnel throughout the nation. This decision comes after reports identified at least 18 instances of intimidation, harassment, and physical assault within federal medical facilities over the past year. The directive stems from findings by a ministerial committee formed after a 2026 altercation between Economic and Financial Crimes Commission agents and staff at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.
Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom confirmed that Health Minister Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate has adopted the committee’s recommendations. Investigators found that the Uyo case was part of a broader trend involving patients, family members, and security forces. These confrontations frequently resulted in injuries, property damage, and the suspension of essential medical services.
Contributing factors include inadequate staffing, poor infrastructure, and weak security protocols. To combat this, the government has ordered that perpetrators face prosecution under current legal statutes, even in the absence of specialized anti-violence legislation. Hospitals are now required to establish Violence Prevention Teams, enhance surveillance, and restrict access to sensitive departments.
Management at these facilities must also prioritize staff training in de-escalation tactics and improve patient communication. Prof. Pate emphasized that the government views the safety of medical workers as a critical priority, noting that no official duty or grievance justifies the disruption of healthcare delivery. The ministry will oversee the rollout of these safety protocols through regular status updates.
