The Nigeria Police Force has instructed all Point of Sale (POS) operators in the country to keep at least 200 metres away from police stations and formations.
This order was shared in an internal police wireless message from the Inspector-General of Police, released on Tuesday.
The police said the decision was due to increasing reports of extortion and corruption involving some POS operators and police officers.
According to the message, these issues are making it harder for the police to implement reforms focused on transparency, accountability, and professionalism.
“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 wireless message read.
It added: “Numerous allegations of complicity in corrupt practices/extortion” had been attributed to some of the operators.
The police hierarchy consequently directed that no POS operator should be allowed to operate within a 200-metre radius of any police formation nationwide.
“INGENPOL, therefore, directs that on no account should any POS operator be seen within a 200-meter radius of any police formation,” the message further stated.
The directive also warned Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police and heads of police formations that they would be held “vicariously liable” for any violation of the order within their jurisdictions.
The message specifically instructed command commissioners of police and heads of formations to monitor compliance and ensure strict enforcement of the directive.