The decision, as announced by the police boss, comes in response to the inherent risks associated with the use of such devices within police facilities. Concerns primarily revolve around the potential compromise of sensitive information, financial irregularities, and the facilitation of illicit activities.
The directive, deemed non-negotiable by the 59-year-old Inspector-General, mandates strict adherence from all officers under his command.
This move echoes a previous directive issued due to repeated complaints from citizens alleging that POS devices facilitate extortion by police officers during their duties. Despite previous warnings, some commands and formations have reportedly disregarded the ban, as stated by Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement released on Monday, March 4, 2024.
Adejobi emphasized the IGP's insistence on compliance with the directive without exception. He warned that any police officer or POS operator found contravening the order or engaging in illicit financial transactions will face appropriate disciplinary and criminal action, with the command or formation leadership equally held accountable.
Police officers have gained notoriety for extorting members of the public under the pretext of performing their legal duties, often using POS devices to obscure their activities. Last year, Adejobi attributed this phenomenon to the encouragement of corrupt practices by some POS operators.
IGP Egbetokun believes that the new directive will safeguard the integrity and security of police operations while curbing corrupt practices. However, it remains to be seen whether officers will heed this directive, given past instances of non-compliance.
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