- The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has reportedly directed Point of Sale (POS) operators nationwide to stay at least 200 metres away from police stations and formations.
- The order follows growing allegations that some officers allegedly use nearby POS agents for extortion and illegal transactions.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has reportedly banned Point of Sale (POS) operators from operating within 200 metres of police stations and formations across Nigeria over allegations of extortion and corrupt dealings.
According to reports, the directive was contained in an internal police wireless message circulated nationwide and addressed to senior police officers and heads of formations.
The police authorities said the move became necessary following increasing complaints linking some POS operators with illegal financial transactions and extortion involving police personnel.
Part of the message reportedly read:
“INGENPOL has observed with utmost dismay the alarming rate at which Point of Sale (POS) operators are increasingly conducting transactions in/around the vicinity of police formations.”
The statement further warned that no POS operator should be allowed to function within a 200-metre radius of any police formation nationwide. Senior officers were also reportedly told they would be held responsible for violations within their jurisdictions.
The development comes weeks after viral incidents involving alleged extortion by police officers using POS terminals inside police stations sparked public outrage in parts of the country.
In one reported case in Delta State, officers were accused of forcing a motorist to transfer money through a POS machine inside a police station, leading to disciplinary action against the officers involved.
The Nigeria Police Force says the latest directive is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability and professionalism within the force.
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