KEY POINTS

• The IGP has banned POS operators from working within 200 metres of police stations nationwide.
• Police authorities say nearby POS outlets have been linked to bribery and illegal financial transactions.
• Senior police officers will be held accountable for any violation of the directive.

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has directed that Point-of-Sale, POS, operators must no longer operate within 200 metres of police stations and other police formations across Nigeria.

The order was contained in an internal police wireless message sent to commands and formations nationwide, with instructions for immediate enforcement.

According to the police authorities, the growing number of POS operators around police facilities has become a major concern due to allegations of bribery and illegal financial dealings.

The Force Headquarters said the presence of the operators near police stations was affecting ongoing reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.

The internal communication noted that police leadership was worried about reports that some POS outlets were allegedly being used to process unofficial payments and other corrupt transactions.

Senior Police Officers To Be Held Responsible

The directive stated that no POS operator should be allowed to function within a 200-metre radius of any police station, divisional headquarters, or police formation nationwide.

It also warned that senior officers, including Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police, and heads of formations, would be held responsible if the order is violated in their areas.

Security experts and civil society organisations say the new restriction is part of efforts to tackle long-standing allegations of extortion by some police officers.

Over the years, rights groups have repeatedly accused some officers of forcing suspects and civilians to make instant withdrawals or transfers through nearby POS agents during police encounters.

The new policy is expected to reduce such practices and strengthen accountability within the Force.