Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has ordered Point of Sale (POS) operators to stay away from police stations nationwide, and to further maintain a distance of 200 metres from all police formations in the country.

The NPF directive, Tuesday, was contained in an internal police wireless message issued by the Inspector-General of Police, explained that the directive became imperative following growing allegations of extortion and corrupt dealings involving some operators and police personnel.

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The message stated that the development was undermining ongoing police reform efforts aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and professionalism within the force.

“INGENPOL has observed with utmost dismay the alarming rate at which Point of Sale (POS) operators are increasingly conducting transactions in/around the vicinity of police formations.

“Numerous allegations of complicity in corrupt practices/extortion had been attributed to some of the operators.

“INGENPOL therefore directs that on no account should any POS operator be seen within a 200-meter radius of any police formation,” the message stated.

The directive also warned Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police and heads of police formations that they would be held ‘vicariously liable’ for any violation of the order within their jurisdictions.

The message specifically instructed command commissioners of police and heads of formations to monitor compliance and ensure strict enforcement of the directive.

It would be recalled that longstanding public complaints had alleged collusion between police officers and POS operators to extort and receive bribes from civilians at checkpoints, stations and other police facilities.