By Our Correspondent
The Nigeria Police Force has announced a new rule stopping Point-of-Sale (POS) operators from doing business close to police stations and police formations across the country.
Under the new directive, POS operators are not allowed to operate within 200 metres of any police station or police office in Nigeria.
The order was reportedly approved by the Inspector-General of Police as part of efforts to reduce corruption and other illegal financial activities around police facilities.
According to police authorities, the decision followed complaints and reports linking some POS operators to cases of extortion and suspicious money transactions involving police personnel and members of the public.
An internal police message directed all commands and formations nationwide to enforce the order immediately.
The police also warned that senior officers in charge of stations and formations would be held responsible if any POS operator is found doing business within the restricted area.
Many POS operators in different parts of Nigeria usually set up their business close to police stations because of the large number of people visiting the facilities daily for different purposes.
The new restriction is expected to affect several operators, especially in busy cities and towns where POS services are widely used for cash withdrawals, transfers, and bill payments.
Police authorities said the directive is aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and public trust in the force.
The development has already generated reactions from Nigerians on social media, with some people supporting the move while others believe it could affect small business owners who depend on POS operations for daily income.
Some residents also expressed concerns that the decision may reduce easy access to cash services in areas where banks are limited.
Despite the mixed reactions, the police insist that the measure is necessary to strengthen discipline and improve the image of the force across the country.
