The Nigeria Police Force has directed Point of Sale (POS) operators across the country to stay at least 200 metres away from police stations and formations over allegations of extortion and corrupt dealings involving some operators and police personnel.
The directive was contained in an internal police wireless message issued by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and seen on Tuesday night.
According to the message, police authorities expressed concern over the growing presence of POS operators around police facilities and allegations linking some of them to corrupt practices and extortion.
The police said the trend was undermining ongoing reform efforts aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and professionalism within the force.
“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 wireless message stated.
It added that there had been “numerous allegations of complicity in corrupt practices/extortion” involving some POS operators.
Following the concerns, the police hierarchy ordered that no POS operator should operate within a 200 metre radius of any police formation nationwide.
“INGENPOL therefore directs that on no account should any POS operator be seen within a 200-meter radius of any police formation,” the signal further stated.
The directive warned Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs), Commissioners of Police, and heads of police formations that they would be held vicariously liable for any violation of the order within their jurisdictions.
Command Commissioners of Police and heads of formations were also instructed to monitor compliance and ensure strict enforcement.
The development follows longstanding public complaints that some police officers allegedly use nearby POS operators to facilitate extortion and receive bribes from civilians at checkpoints, stations, and other police facilities.
In recent years, Nigerians have accused some security personnel of forcing victims of extortion to make instant transfers or withdraw cash through POS agents stationed close to police formations.
