Mosquitoes now wearing bullet proof in some states in Nigeria.

A new study conducted by scientists at the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos,

has revealed that mosquitoes in 18 states of the country have developed resistance to insecticide nets.

The states are:

• Jigawa, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Benue, Kwara, Nasarawa,
• Niger, Plateau, Anambra, Enugu, Rivers, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo states.

Malarialogist and Deputy Director & Head, Public Health Department, NIMR, Dr. Sam Awolola, said Lagos, Ogun and Niger states recorded the highest incidence of resistance.

The outcome of the study, which was presented in NIMR on Tuesday, identified mosquito resistance to insectides as a major threat to the eradication of malaria in Nigeria by 2030.

Nigeria has distributed over 182 million long-lasting insecticide-treated nets since 2003 till date.

Awolola said the result of the study meant that Nigeria would record a sharp increase in malaria deaths in the 18 states where mosquitoes had developed resistance to these treated nets without quick intervention.