The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has banned the use of Point-of-Sales (POS) machines in the premises of police stations across the country.
The ban was in light of recent reports of fraudulent and illicit transactions involving POS machine operators within some police stations.
Through the force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Egbetokun stated that the directive is essential to maintaining the integrity of police operations and preventing corrupt practices.
According to him, the ban is also aimed at preventing possible criminal intrusion into police commands or formations under the guise of POS transactions.
To enforce the ban, the IGP said, any command or formation found violating the order will face severe consequences, and police officers and POS operators involved will also be held accountable.
He said:
“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.”
