By Nkechi Eze
Following public outcry on alleged illegal and illicit transactions through Point-Of-Sale (POS) machine operators and connivance with certain police operatives, the Nigeria Police Force has banned the use of POS machines and other electronic mobile money transaction devices within Police stations and other Police facilities nationwide.
ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the
Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), at the Force Headquarters in Abuja
revealed this in a statement signed on Monday.
The ban was 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.
The Force leadership said that Despite previous directives, it had come to its attention that some Commands and Formations continued to flout this regulation.
The IGP therefore warned that any violation of this ban would attract severe sanctions on the leadership of the affected Commands and Formations.
The IGP said that the use of electronic payment devices within police facilities posed 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 IGP urged all officers and personnel to comply with this directive without exception, and warned that any police officer or POS operator found contravening this order, or conniving to conduct illicit financial transactions would face appropriate disciplinary and criminal action in accordance with the extant laws and regulations, and the Command/Formation leadership would equally be held responsible.
