THE Nigeria Police Force has reiterated its ban on the use of Point-of-Sale terminal machines, and other mobile money transaction devices within police stations and other police facilities across the country.
The NPF said the ban followed public outcry on alleged “illegal and illicit transactions through ‘point-of-sale’ (POS) machine operators and connivance with certain police operatives.”
This was contained in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Monday.
Adejobi said it had come to the attention of the police that some commands and formations of the NPF continued to flout the regulation, and that the ban was aimed at preserving the security and integrity of police operations.
The FPRO noted that the use of payment devices within the police premises posed risks, including the compromise of sensitive information and facilitation of illicit activities.
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 utilisation 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 added that “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 IG noted 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 statement partly read.
The FPRO further stated that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, urged officials to comply with the directive, warning that any violation by officers or a POS operator would attract “severe sanctions” on the leadership of the affected Formations or Commands.
“The IG 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 stated.
