Fresh Tension Across Nigeria As IGP Orders Removal Of POS Stands Near Police Stations

The directive was reportedly contained in an internal wireless communication issued by the Inspector-General of Police and obtained by Sahara Reporters on Tuesday.

According to the police authorities, the move followed increasing allegations of extortion and corrupt practices allegedly involving some POS operators and police personnel.

In the message, the police leadership expressed concern over the growing presence of POS operators around police facilities, describing the trend as damaging to ongoing reform efforts focused on transparency, accountability and professionalism within the force.

“The Inspector-General of Police has observed with serious concern the increasing rate at which POS operators carry out transactions within and around police formations,” the internal message stated.

The communication added that several allegations linking some operators to corrupt activities and extortion had been reported.

As a result, the police ordered that no POS operator should operate within a 200-metre radius of any police formation across the country.

“The Inspector-General therefore directs that under no circumstance should any POS operator be found operating within 200 metres of any police formation,” the message further noted.

The directive 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 order within their areas of supervision.

Senior police officers and heads of formations were instructed to closely monitor compliance and ensure strict enforcement of the directive nationwide.

According to reports, the order is linked to longstanding accusations from members of the public claiming that some police officers allegedly use nearby POS operators to collect bribes and extort money from civilians at checkpoints, stations and other police facilities.