The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has ordered an immediate nationwide restriction barring Point-of-Sale (POS) operators from operating within 200 metres of police stations and formations across Nigeria.
The directive was contained in an internal police wireless message circulated to commands and formations nationwide, with the police leadership warning that violations would attract disciplinary consequences for senior officers in affected jurisdictions.
Police cite corruption concerns
According to the internal communication, the Nigeria Police Force expressed concern over what it described as the “alarming proliferation” of POS operators around police facilities across the country.
The police authorities stated that the increasing presence of POS agents near stations had become linked to complaints of bribery, illegal transactions and unofficial financial dealings involving officers and civilians.
The message noted that the development was undermining ongoing reform efforts targeted at improving transparency, accountability and public confidence in policing.
“The Force leadership observed with utmost dismay the growing trend of POS operators clustering around police formations,” part of the signal reportedly stated.
200-metre restriction takes effect
Following the development, the Force Headquarters directed that no POS operator should be allowed to function within a 200-metre radius of any police station, divisional headquarters or police formation nationwide.
The directive also placed responsibility for compliance on senior officers, warning that Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police and heads of formations would be held “vicariously liable” for any breach recorded within their areas of supervision.
The police authorities stressed that the order should be enforced immediately across all commands.
Move linked to extortion allegations
Security analysts have linked the new directive to longstanding allegations of extortion and unofficial cash collection involving some police personnel.
Human rights groups and civil society organisations have repeatedly raised concerns over the close proximity of POS operators to police stations, arguing that some officers allegedly force suspects or civilians to make instant transfers or withdrawals through nearby agents during arrests or interrogations.
The development is seen as part of broader efforts by the current police leadership to curb corruption allegations and restore public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.