Prognosis

Nigerian Security Response to Covid Is Deadlier Than the Disease

  • Physicians are threatened with beatings, extortion, detention
  • Nigeria has a long history of police, army harassment
Nigerian police officers man a checkpoint in Lagos.Photographer: Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP via Getty Images
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Nigerian doctor Avwebo Otoide had just finished visiting a patient when a Toyota Hilux with flashing lights pulled her over. A man with a flak jacket jumped out, pointed a gun at her and demanded she show her identity document. As she rummaged in her bag to find her medical card, he slapped her on the head.