The Nigeria Police Force, NPF, has reiterated that it bans the use of Point of Sales,POS machine operators and other electronic mobile money transaction devices within its facilities nationwide.
This is coming at the heels of public outcry on alleged illegal and illicit transactions through POS machine operators conniving with certain police operatives.
The force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a statement issued on Monday Sadi ban was aimed at preserving the integrity and security of police operations, fore-staling perceived corrupt practices, as well as clearing the Commands of possible criminal intrusion under such guise and maintaining discipline within the Force.
“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,” he said.
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While urging the security personnel to comply with this directives, the statement warned that any officer who goes contrary or conniving to conduct illicit financial transactions would be made to face appropriate disciplinary action as entrenched in the extant laws and regulations.
“Additionally, the command leadership will be held responsible,” it added.
Credible News recalls that in 2022
The Police in Lagos State has warned POS operators against using their trade to promote extortion at police stations and other areas.
The Command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, who gave the warning said it was part of directives from the Force headquarters, Abuja, against extortion and corruption in some police formations.
“It has been observed over time that some roving POS operators specialise in hanging around police stations. Investigations reveal that their target customers are innocent Nigerians being extorted by some recalcitrant police officers.
“Their presence around the stations has made the extortion game a lot easier.
“While the Force continually purges itself of these bad officers, it has become imperative that the activities of POS operators around police stations be regulated.
“Some of them have been identified to be enablers of extortion. This regulation is in line with our mandate of not just detecting, but also preventing crime,” he said.
Mr Hundeyin warned that POS operators found to have knowingly enabled extortion with the police in any areas would be treated as an accomplice.
