IGP Bans POS Operators Near Police Stations Nationwide

The Inspector General of Police has mandated that Point of Sale (POS) operators must maintain a distance of at least 200 meters from police stations nationwide. This directive was communicated through an internal police wireless message and aims to address growing allegations of extortion and corrupt dealings involving police personnel.

The message, which was seen on Tuesday, emphasizes that allowing POS operations near police facilities undermines ongoing police reform efforts intended to promote transparency and accountability within the force. The directive warns that any police personnel assisting POS operators within the specified radius will be held liable for violating this order.

Additionally, the message instructs police commissioners to monitor compliance and ensure strict enforcement of this directive, which is a response to long-standing public complaints about police officers allegedly using nearby POS operators to extort bribes from civilians at checkpoints.