IGP Bans POS Operators Within 200 Metres Of All Police Stations In Nigeria Over Extortion Allegations
By: Abudu Olalekan
The nigerian police force just dropped a bombshell. they told point of sale operators everywhere to stay back. at least 200 metres. away from every single police station and formation. yeah. it’s a big move.
they said yes reasons for this though. it’s about the corruption talks. lots of people claiming extortion is happening. mostly when operators work too close to the police.
an internal wireless message caught wind of this. inspector-general of police sent it. reportersroom got their hands on the note on tuesday. which was unusual because this kind of stuff usually stays locked up. but here we are.
according to the signal, the bosses are worried. seriously worried. they called it an increasing presence. pos people setting up shop right next to police facilities. which makes sense. if you operate next to a checkpoint, who controls the cash flow? the message stated clearly.
“INGENPOL has observed with utmost dismay the alarming rate…”
that’s a direct quote from the text. basically saying the transactions happening in the vicinity are too common. too close to home. and there’s more. numerous allegations of complicity in corrupt practices. extortion included. some operators linked to shady deals with police personnel.
so they decided to act. police hierarchy directed that nobody should operate inside the 200-meter radius. anywhere in the country.
“INGENPOL therefore directs that on no account should any pos operator be seen…”
read that again. on no account. its not optional.
and theres punishment waiting. the message warned assistant inspectors-general. commissioners of police too. if violations happen under them, they’d be held vicariously liable. basically, you fail to catch the breach, you pay the price. command commissioners had to monitor compliance. ensure strict enforcement.
what’s the background story?
reportersroom gathered the order connects to longstanding public complaints. folks have been complaining for ages. alleging that some cops use nearby pos operators to extort civilians. grab bribes. pull cash at checkpoints or stations.
in recent years, several Nigerians have accused security personnel of forcing victims to make instant transfers. or withdraw cash through agents standing close by. it’s a slippery slope.
human rights groups and anti-corruption advocates have raised concerns repeatedly. warning that contributing to abuse of power undermines public trust. law enforcement institutions losing respect.
this directive seems aimed at restoring that trust. promoting transparency. accountability. professionalism within the force. but lets be honest. will it work? time will tell. for now, the zone around every station is off-limits for pos machines.
