IGP Tunji Disu bans POS machines near police stations nationwide to stop extortion and enforce new 2026 police accountability regulations.
In a decisive move to sanitize the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and restore public confidence, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, has officially banned the operation of Point-of-Sale (POS) machines within and around police formations across the country. The directive, which was issued via a nationwide internal wireless message on May 13, 2026, mandates that all POS operators stay at least 200 meters away from any police station, divisional headquarters, or police facility.
This policy comes on the heels of mounting public outcry regarding the use of POS terminals as tools for “instant extortion.” For years, Nigerians have shared harrowing accounts of being detained and forced by rogue officers to withdraw cash from nearby POS operators to pay for their freedom. By moving these operators out of the immediate vicinity, the IGP aims to dismantle the infrastructure that has facilitated these illicit financial transactions.
A Modern Approach to Accountability
According to reports from Technext24, the ban is part of a broader “decisive reform phase” within the NPF. This shift coincides with the full implementation of the Nigerian Police Regulations 2025, which President Bola Tinubu recently gazetted to strengthen professionalism.
Under the new leadership of IGP Tunji Disu, the force is pivoting toward an “intelligence-led and technology-driven” institution. Speaking at the 2026 National Police Day celebration, Disu emphasized that the force would no longer tolerate practices that compromise the integrity of police operations. He noted that the presence of electronic payment devices within police facilities poses significant risks, including the potential compromise of sensitive information and the facilitation of financial irregularities.
Addressing the “POS Connection”
The relationship between rogue police officers and POS operators has long been a “dark secret” in Nigerian policing. In many instances, POS operators acted as unofficial “middlemen,” allowing officers to receive bribes without leaving a digital trail back to their personal bank accounts.
Industry experts and human rights groups, such as the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), have lauded the ban but cautioned that physical distance is only the first step. They argue that as long as the culture of impunity exists, rogue officers may simply find new ways to conduct these transactions. However, the IGP has warned that any commander or divisional head who fails to enforce this 200-meter buffer zone will face severe disciplinary sanctions.
Broader Implications for the Force
This directive is not an isolated incident. It is tied to a larger effort by the Ministry of Police Affairs to modernize the force. According to The Guardian Nigeria, the updated regulations replace a 1943 document that had become hopelessly outdated. The 2026 reforms include stricter guidelines on arrests, clearly defined detention timelines, and enhanced accountability mechanisms.
As Nigeria continues to seek global support for its proposed “State Police” system, demonstrating a commitment to internal discipline is crucial. By removing the “mobile ATMs” from the gates of police stations, the IGP is sending a clear signal: the era of “cash-and-carry” justice is coming to an end.
About the Author
Jennifer Sakmufuwo Baba is a tech analyst and writer covering artificial intelligence, fintech, and emerging technologies at TechRegard. Based in Nigeria, she's passionate about translating complex tech developments into compelling, accessible stories for diverse audiences. Her work focuses on how technology shapes innovation across Africa and globally.
