AIG Bans POS Operations at FCID Lagos Annex, Mandates Strict Discipline and Professionalism

In a decisive move to curb financial impropriety and enhance operational integrity, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, Mr. Simeon Akpanudom, has officially banned all Point of Sale (POS) machine operations within the FCID premises. The directive, issued on Thursday, May 14, 2026, marks a significant step in the Nigeria Police Force’s ongoing efforts to eliminate opportunities for corruption and unauthorized financial transactions at investigative facilities.

Background and Rationale for the Ban

The decision to prohibit POS terminals at the FCID Annex is rooted in a broader strategy to sanitize police operations and restore public confidence. POS machines, while convenient for legitimate commerce, have increasingly been exploited in Nigerian law enforcement settings for illicit activities, including the extortion of suspects, victims, and visitors. By removing these devices from the premises, AIG Akpanudom aims to close a loophole that has historically facilitated bribery, unauthorized fee collection, and other forms of financial misconduct.

This action aligns with the Inspector-General of Police’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption and the ongoing reform agenda within the Nigeria Police Force. It also reflects a growing recognition that physical proximity to cash or cash-equivalent transactions can create conflicts of interest and undermine the impartiality of investigations.

What the Ban Entails

The ban applies to all POS terminals operated by both police personnel and third-party vendors within the FCID Annex. This includes machines used for personal transactions, as well as those ostensibly for official purposes. Officers and staff are now required to conduct any necessary financial transactions—such as paying for official services or receiving reimbursements—through formal, traceable banking channels outside the facility. The directive explicitly warns that any officer found violating this order will face severe disciplinary action, including possible dismissal.

Broader Call for Professionalism and Due Process

Beyond the POS ban, AIG Akpanudom used the occasion to issue a comprehensive charge to all officers at the FCID Annex. He emphasized the critical importance of upholding professionalism, discipline, and strict adherence to due process in every aspect of duty discharge. This includes:

• Respect for Human Rights: Officers must treat all suspects, witnesses, and members of the public with dignity and respect, avoiding any form of harassment or intimidation.
• Transparency in Investigations: All investigative procedures must be documented and conducted in accordance with established legal frameworks, ensuring that evidence is collected and preserved without tampering.
• Accountability for Actions: Supervisors are expected to monitor their subordinates closely and report any deviations from standard operating procedures. Collective responsibility is emphasized—unit commanders will be held accountable for breaches within their teams.
• Zero Tolerance for Corruption: Any form of bribery, extortion, or unauthorized fee collection is strictly prohibited. Officers are encouraged to report colleagues who engage in such practices through internal whistleblower channels.

Practical Implications for Officers and the Public

For officers, the new directive means adapting to a cashless environment within the facility. They must now rely on bank transfers, mobile banking apps, or other electronic payment methods for personal needs, and ensure that any official payments are processed through the proper government financial systems. This may initially cause inconvenience, but it is expected to reduce the risk of financial impropriety significantly.

For members of the public visiting the FCID Annex—whether as complainants, witnesses, or suspects—the ban provides reassurance that they will not be pressured into making informal payments. It also simplifies the process of verifying any official fees, as all legitimate charges will be clearly documented and payable only through designated bank accounts.

Enforcement and Monitoring

To ensure compliance, AIG Akpanudom has ordered immediate and unannounced spot checks by the FCID’s internal monitoring unit. Any POS machine found within the premises after the effective date will be confiscated, and the responsible officer will face an orderly room trial. Additionally, the public is encouraged to report any officer who solicits payment via POS or any other informal means through the official FCID complaint hotline and email address.

Reactions from Stakeholders

Civil society organizations and anti-corruption advocates have largely welcomed the ban. The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) described it as “a bold step toward sanitizing the criminal justice system.” However, some officers have expressed concerns about the practicality of the ban, noting that many personnel rely on POS machines for daily subsistence due to irregular salary payments. In response, the FCID management has assured that alternative welfare measures are being explored to support officers without compromising integrity.

Conclusion: A Model for Other Police Formations

The ban on POS operations at the FCID Lagos Annex sets a precedent that could be replicated across other police formations in Nigeria. If successful, it could significantly reduce the incidence of petty corruption at police stations and investigative units, thereby improving public trust in law enforcement. AIG Akpanudom’s emphasis on discipline and due process further reinforces the message that the Nigeria Police Force is committed to reform, even if it requires uncomfortable changes to long-standing practices.

As the directive takes effect, all eyes will be on the FCID Annex to see whether this policy translates into tangible improvements in service delivery and accountability. For now, the message is clear: the era of informal financial transactions at police facilities is coming to an end.

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