BREAKING: IGP Ban POS Operators Within 200 Metres of all Police Stations In Nigeria

• The Nigeria Police Force has directed Point of Sale, POS operators nationwide to relocate at least 200 metres away from police stations and formations over allegations linking some operators to extortion and corrupt practices involving police personnel.

The Nigeria Police Force has ordered all Point of Sale (POS) operators across the country to stay at least 200 metres away from police stations and other police formations.

The directive was contained in an internal wireless message issued by the Inspector-General of Police to senior officers nationwide.

According to the police authorities, the decision followed growing concerns over the increasing presence of POS operators around police facilities and allegations linking some operators to corrupt practices and extortion involving police personnel.

The internal communication stated that the development was undermining ongoing reform efforts aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and professionalism within the Force.

“The Inspector-General of Police has observed with utmost dismay the alarming rate at which Point of Sale (POS) operators are increasingly conducting transactions in and around the vicinity of police formations,” the message stated.

The police leadership also noted that there had been “numerous allegations of complicity in corrupt practices and extortion” associated with some POS operators operating close to police facilities.

As a result, the Force directed that no POS operator should operate within a 200-metre radius of any police formation nationwide.

Senior police officers, including Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police, and heads of police formations, were warned that they would be held responsible for any violation of the directive within their jurisdictions.

The order further instructed command commissioners and heads of formations to ensure strict monitoring and enforcement of compliance.

DON’T MISS: BREAKING: Tinubu, World Bank in Talks Over Second-Largest $1.25bn Loan as Nigeria’s Debt Nears N161tn

The directive is believed to be connected to longstanding public complaints alleging that some police officers use nearby POS operators to facilitate extortion and receive bribes from civilians at checkpoints, police stations, and other security locations.

In recent years, several Nigerians have accused security personnel of compelling 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 fuels abuse of power and weakens public trust in law enforcement institutions.