Enforcement of Covid-19 Pandemic Lockdown Orders in Nigeria: Evidence of Public (Non)Compliance and Police Illegalities

Given the public resentment that trailed the unprecedented lockdown order enforced as a public health emergency control strategy to contain the spread of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, this study explored citizens’ compliance with the order and how its enforcement occasioned illegal police practices. With a qualitative approach, this study recruited 90 participants from Ilorin, Nigeria, with varieties of sampling methods to understand public behaviour and police conduct in the enforcement of the order. From the insights gathered with a semi-structured interview and analysed with thematic analysis method, the study observed that economic hardship majorly, fueled non-compliance. Also, unavoidable matters from the citizens’ end and mistrust of authorities are factors that explain non-compliance. Although there was a reasonable level of compliance, the pre-existing police illegalities (extortion and bribery) facilitated the cases of non-compliance. Also, hostility ensued between police personnel and citizens during the enforcement of the lockdown. Therefore, this study advised the government and stakeholders on the imperatives of adequate socio-economic preparations, emphasising public trust and provision of relief materials. Additionally, it suggested to the police authorities reform ideas to better equip, monitor, and manage police resources for effective handling of future pandemics.