The Nigeria Police Force has ordered Point of Sale operators across the country to stay at least 200 metres away from police stations and formations, citing growing allegations of extortion and corrupt dealings involving some operators and police personnel.
The directive Is contained in an internal police wireless message issued by the Inspector-General of Police and seen by SaharaReporters on Tuesday.
According to the signal, the police authorities expressed concern over what they described as the increasing presence of POS operators around police facilities and allegations linking some of them to corrupt practices and extortion.
The message stated that the development was undermining ongoing police 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 read.
It added that “numerous allegations of complicity in corrupt practices/extortion” had been attributed to some of the operators.
The police hierarchy consequently directed that no POS operator should be allowed to 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 message further stated.
The directive also warned Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police and heads of police formations that they would be held “vicariously liable” for any violation of the order within their jurisdictions.
The message specifically instructed command commissioners of police and heads of formations to monitor compliance and ensure strict enforcement of the directive.
SaharaReporters gathered that the order is connected to longstanding public complaints alleging that some police officers use nearby POS operators to extort and receive bribes from civilians at checkpoints, stations and other police facilities.
In recent years, several Nigerians have accused security personnel of forcing victims of extortion to make instant transfers or withdraw cash through POS agents stationed close to police formations.
Human rights groups and anti-corruption advocates have repeatedly raised concerns over the practice, warning that it contributes to abuse of power and undermines public trust in law enforcement institutions.
