The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a directive banning the use of point-of-sale (POS) machines and other electronic mobile money transaction devices within police stations and facilities across Nigeria.
This prohibition, announced by police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a statement on Monday, comes in response to public concerns over alleged illegal and illicit transactions involving POS machine operators and certain police personnel.
According to Adejobi, the ban aims to uphold the integrity and security of police operations, prevent perceived corrupt practices, and maintain discipline within the force.
The statement read, “The Nigeria Police Force, following public outcry on alleged illegal and illicit transactions through point-of-sale (POS) machine operators and connivance with certain police operatives, hereby reiterates the ban on the utilization of POS machines and other electronic mobile money transaction devices within police stations and other police facilities nationwide.
“The ban is aimed at preserving the integrity and security of police operations, forestalling perceived corrupt practices, as well as clearing the Commands/Formations of possible criminal intrusion under such guise, and maintaining discipline within the Force.”
Adejobi emphasized that any attempts to flout this directive would result in severe sanctions on the leadership of the affected commands and formations.
He also warned that both police officers and POS operators found contravening the order or engaging in illicit financial transactions would face appropriate disciplinary and criminal action.
Adejobi said, “Despite previous directives, it has come to the attention of the Force leadership that some Commands and Formations continue to flout this regulation.
“The IGP notes that the use of electronic payment devices within police facilities poses significant risks, including the potential compromise of sensitive information, financial irregularities, and the facilitation of illicit activities, therefore, strict adherence to this directive is non-negotiable.
“The IGP urges all officers and personnel to comply with this directive without exception, and warns that any police officer or POS operator found contravening this order, or conniving to conduct illicit financial transactions will face appropriate disciplinary and criminal action in accordance with the extant laws and regulations, and the Command/Formation leadership will equally be held responsible.”
