By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has ordered Point of Sale (POS) operators across the country to relocate at least 200 metres away from police stations and other police formations.
The directive, which reportedly came through an internal police wireless message circulated to commands nationwide, is aimed at curbing corruption, extortion and other unethical dealings allegedly involving some police officers and nearby POS operators.
According to reports, Commissioners of Police, Divisional Police Officers and heads of police formations have been directed to enforce strict compliance with the order or face disciplinary consequences for violations within their jurisdictions.
The police authorities said the measure forms part of broader efforts to sanitise the Force and restore public confidence in policing operations.
The development has already sparked reactions among POS operators and residents, especially in urban centres where many operators usually position their businesses close to police stations to serve officers and visitors.
This is not the first restriction involving POS activities within police facilities. In 2024, the Nigeria Police Force banned the use of POS machines inside police stations nationwide over allegations that some officers used them to facilitate extortion and illegal payments.
The latest directive is expected to affect thousands of operators located around police formations across the country.
