The Nigeria Police Force has banned Point of Sale operators from operating within 200 metres of police stations and formations nationwide following growing allegations of extortion and corrupt practices involving some police personnel and POS agents.
The directive was contained in an internal police wireless message issued by the Inspector-General of Police and obtained by SaharaReporters on Tuesday.
According to the police authorities, the increasing presence of POS operators around police facilities has raised serious concerns, with several allegations linking some operators to extortion and other corrupt activities.
The police noted that the trend was undermining ongoing reform efforts aimed at improving transparency, accountability and professionalism within the force.
The internal message stated that the IGP observed “with utmost dismay” the rising rate at which POS operators conduct transactions around police formations across the country.
It further revealed that numerous allegations of complicity in corrupt practices and extortion had been traced to some operators stationed near police facilities.
As a result, the police directed that no POS operator should be allowed to operate within a 200-metre radius of any police formation nationwide.
The directive also warned Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police and heads of formations that they would be held responsible for any violation of the order within their jurisdictions.
Command Commissioners of Police and heads of police formations were instructed to ensure strict compliance and enforcement of the directive.
The order is believed to be connected to longstanding public complaints accusing some police officers of using nearby POS operators to collect bribes and extort money from civilians at checkpoints, stations and other police locations.
Over the years, many Nigerians have alleged that security personnel often compel victims of extortion to make instant transfers or withdraw cash through POS agents stationed close to police facilities.
Human rights groups and anti-corruption advocates have repeatedly condemned the practice, warning that it encourages abuse of power and weakens public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
