The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed Point of Sale (POS) operators across the country to stay at least 200 metres away from police stations and other police formations over allegations of extortion and corrupt dealings.
According to an internal police wireless message obtained by Sahara Reporters, the directive was issued following concerns about the increasing presence of POS operators around police facilities nationwide.
The police authorities reportedly expressed worries over allegations linking some POS operators to corrupt practices involving police personnel, saying the development was damaging ongoing reform efforts aimed at promoting accountability, transparency and professionalism within the force.
Part of the message stated that the police leadership observed “with utmost dismay” the growing rate at which POS operators carry out transactions around police formations.
The signal further noted that several allegations of extortion and complicity in corrupt practices had been associated with some operators stationed close to police facilities.
As a result, the police hierarchy directed that no POS operator should operate within a 200-metre radius of any police station or formation across the country.
The directive also warned Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police and heads of formations that they would be held responsible for any violation recorded within their jurisdictions.
Command commissioners and heads of police formations were instructed to monitor compliance and ensure strict enforcement of the order.
The move is reportedly connected to longstanding public complaints accusing some security personnel of using nearby POS operators to collect money from civilians during extortion incidents at checkpoints and police stations.
Over the years, human rights groups and anti-corruption advocates have repeatedly raised concerns about the practice, arguing that it encourages abuse of power and weakens public trust in law enforcement agencies.
