Police threaten to arrest, prosecute PoS operators

Police authorities have threatened to sanction

Point-of-sale (PoS) machine operators across the Commands, Formations nationwide,

This followed public outcry on alleged illegal and illicit transactions through point-of-sale (POS) machine operators and conivance with certain police operatives.

Force Public Relations officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi disclosed this on Monday in a statement issued on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.

He emphasized that violators of the ban on the utilization of PoS and other electronic mobile devices within police stations and facilities is still in force.

Accordingly, the IGP urged all officers and personnel to comply with this directive without exception, insisting 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.

“The Nigeria Police Force hereby reiterates the ban on the utilization 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 and forestall perceived corrupt practices, as well as clearing the Commands/Formations of possible criminal intrusion under such guise, and maintaining discipline within the Force.

The statement lamented 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 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.