IGP Orders Shutdown of POS Operators Within 200 Metres of Police Stations

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has ordered a nationwide restriction barring Point-of-Sale (POS) operators from operating within 200 metres of police stations and other police formations across the country.

The directive, contained in an internal wireless message circulated to all police commands, takes immediate effect and is expected to be strictly enforced nationwide.

According to the police, the decision was informed by growing concerns over the increasing presence of POS outlets around police facilities, which authorities say has raised issues of financial misconduct and abuse of trust.

The Force Headquarters noted that some of the POS operators around police formations had allegedly become linked to questionable transactions, including suspected bribery and other illicit financial dealings within and around police premises.

It added that the development was undermining ongoing reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability and public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.

The communication described the trend as “alarming” and said it had been observed with “utmost dismay” by police authorities.

As part of the new directive, no POS operator is permitted to operate within a 200-metre radius of any police station, divisional headquarters or other police formation nationwide.

The order also warned senior officers, including Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police, that they would be held vicariously liable for any breach recorded within their jurisdictions.

The police further directed immediate compliance, stressing that commanders at all levels must ensure strict enforcement of the restriction.

Security analysts have linked the move to broader efforts to curb allegations of extortion and corruption, particularly claims that some individuals are pressured into making cash transfers or withdrawals through nearby POS agents during interactions with police officers.

They argued that limiting the proximity of such financial services to police formations could help reduce opportunities for abuse and improve oversight in police-civil relations.

The directive adds to ongoing internal reforms within the Force aimed at strengthening discipline and restoring public trust in law enforcement operations.