IGP Prohibits POS Operators From Operating Within 200 Metres Of Police Stations Nationwide

According to Ireporter Online, the Nigeria Police Force has directed all Point of Sale (POS) operators nationwide to keep a minimum distance of 200 metres away from police stations and other police formations.

The directive was reportedly issued through an internal police wireless message attributed to the Inspector-General of Police and seen on Tuesday, amid growing concerns over alleged misconduct involving some POS operators and police personnel.

The police authorities said the decision was prompted by increasing allegations of extortion and corrupt practices linked to POS transactions carried out around police premises, a development said to be undermining ongoing reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and professionalism within the force.

In the wireless message, the Inspector-General’s office expressed concern over what it described as the “alarming rate” at which POS operators conduct transactions within and around police facilities, noting that several reports had linked such activities to corrupt dealings.

The directive stated that henceforth, no POS operator must be allowed to operate within a 200-metre radius of any police formation across the country.

It further warned that Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police, and heads of formations would be held vicariously liable for any breach of the order within their areas of responsibility, urging strict monitoring and enforcement nationwide.

The police leadership instructed all commands to ensure full compliance with the directive, stressing that it forms part of broader efforts to curb alleged abuse of office and restore public confidence in the force.

Reports also indicate that the move is connected to long-standing public complaints alleging that some officers exploit nearby POS operators as channels for extortion and bribery at checkpoints and police facilities across the country.