The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has ordered a nationwide restriction prohibiting Point-of-Sale (POS) operators from conducting business within 200 metres of police stations and other police formations across Nigeria.
The directive was conveyed through an internal police wireless message circulated to command nationwide, with authorities ordering immediate enforcement.
Senior police officers were also warned that any violation recorded within their jurisdictions could attract disciplinary measures.
According to IGP Disu, the decision followed growing concerns over the “alarming proliferation” of POS operators around police facilities. The Force alleged that some POS outlets had become associated with bribery and illegal financial transactions taking place within and around police premises.
The communication noted that the development was undermining ongoing police reform efforts aimed at improving transparency, accountability and public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.
He further expressed “utmost dismay” over the increasing presence of POS operators near police formations, amid allegations that some operators were being used as channels for corrupt dealings.
Force Headquarters directed that no POS operator should be permitted to operate within a 200-metre radius of any police station, divisional headquarters or other police formations nationwide.
The order also stated that Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police and heads of formations would be held “vicariously liable” for any breach recorded in their areas of responsibility.
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