The Director General, Nigeria Institute of Medical Research, Prof. Babatunde Salako, said it had discovered a new malaria vector called Anopheles Stephens in northern Nigeria.
Salako, who spoke with newsmen in Lagos during a birthday ceremony organized by his staff members, said it was the most recent research discovery.
He said that it was a rugged vector, very difficult to eradicate, and had not been found anywhere near West Africa.
The NIMR boss stated that this was a discovery by NIMR researchers and that had implications for malaria control in Nigeria.
According to Salako, NIMR was currently looking at vaccines.