The Nigeria Police Force has ordered Point of Sale (POS) operators across the country to remain at least 200 metres away from police stations and formations amid growing allegations of extortion and corrupt dealings involving some police personnel.
The directive was contained in an internal wireless message issued by the Inspector-General of Police and obtained on Tuesday, as authorities moved to tighten oversight around police facilities nationwide.
Police headquarters said the decision followed increasing concerns over the growing presence of POS operators around police stations and repeated accusations linking some operators to bribery and extortion activities involving officers.
According to the internal signal, the police leadership warned that the situation was damaging ongoing reform efforts aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and professionalism within the force.
“INGENPOL has observed with utmost dismay the alarming rate at which Point of Sale (POS) operators are increasingly conducting transactions in/around the vicinity of police formations,” the message stated.
The signal further referenced “numerous allegations of complicity in corrupt practices/extortion” involving some operators stationed close to police facilities.
As part of the new directive, the police ordered that no POS operator should operate within a 200-metre radius of any police station, command office, checkpoint, or police formation across the country.
“INGENPOL therefore directs that on no account should any POS operator be seen within a 200-meter radius of any police formation,” the wireless communication added.
The police hierarchy also warned Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police, and heads of police formations that they would be held responsible for any breach of the directive within their jurisdictions.
Command commissioners and formation heads were instructed to monitor compliance closely and ensure strict enforcement of the order nationwide.
The move comes amid longstanding public complaints alleging that some police officers use nearby POS operators to collect bribes or extort civilians during arrests, checkpoints, and routine stop-and-search operations.
Over the years, several Nigerians have accused security personnel of compelling victims to withdraw cash instantly or transfer money through POS agents located close to police stations and roadblocks.
Human rights organisations and anti-corruption groups have repeatedly condemned the practice, warning that it fuels abuse of power, weakens public confidence in law enforcement, and undermines anti-corruption efforts within the security sector.
The latest directive is expected to spark nationwide adjustments among POS operators operating around police facilities as the force intensifies efforts to address allegations of misconduct and financial extortion.
