In response to growing concerns over alleged illegal financial transactions involving point-of-sale (POS) machines within police stations, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reissued a ban on the use of POS and other electronic mobile money transaction devices nationwide.
According to a release signed by the Force Spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stressed that the ban aims to safeguard the integrity of police operations, prevent corrupt practices, and eliminate the risk of criminal intrusion.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) however warned that any violation of this ban will result in severe sanctions against the leadership of the affected Commands and Formations.
“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 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”.
“Despite previous directives, it has come to the attention of the Force leadership that some Commands and Formations continue to flout this regulation”.
“As such, the IGP warns that any violation of this ban will attract severe sanctions on the leadership of the affected Commands and Formations”.
“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”, he added.
