Kwara Police Join Forces With PoS Agents, Computer Artisans To Fight Kidnap Cases

Ilorin, Kwara State–  The Kwara State Police on Monday announced its commitment to strengthen collaboration with point of sale (PoS) operators and computer professionals to combat the increasing use of money transfers in criminal activities, particularly in cases of kidnapping.

Disclosing this during a meeting at the Kwara State Police command with the Kwara Association of Professional Point of Sales Agents (KAPPSA) and the Information Technology Professional Association (ITPA), a group of artisans specializing in computer repairs and transactions within the state.

During the meeting, the associations highlighted the urgent need for police assistance in dealing with fraudsters exploiting their businesses to defraud unsuspecting victims, which not only harms individuals but also tarnishes their livelihoods.

Acknowledging the prevalence of PoS-related crimes, especially in kidnapping scenarios, the Commissioner of Police (CP), represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Adekimi Ojo, explained that criminal activities had become a significant challenge.

However, he appreciated PoS agents and their computer artisan colleagues for uniting to address these issues, assuring them that they now had police support and protection.

He acknowledged the presence of criminal elements within the PoS industry and explained how KAPPSA provides a valuable partnership for the police in the fight against criminal activities involving money transfers, including cases where kidnappers demand ransom payments via PoS.

DCP Ojo detailed guidelines for PoS operators to protect themselves and their customers, including refraining from conducting high-value transactions and collecting traceable customer identification like the National Identification Number (NIN).

Meanwhile, the police offered to provide training for the task force units of KAPPSA to enhance their capabilities in combating fraud and criminal activities related to PoS operations.

Ridwan Ayinde Opakunle, the President of both KAPPSA and ITPA, stressed the importance of the police’s assistance in eliminating criminal elements exploiting their businesses. He noted that cybercriminals and fraudulent money transfer operators have become more sophisticated, necessitating better training for KAPPSA and ITPA task force units to protect their members.

Opakunle emphasized that these associations are vital industries providing employment opportunities for Nigerian youths. However, their businesses’ nature makes them vulnerable, as they often take loans to start their operations and pay for PoS machines in installments. He highlighted the urgency of their request for police intervention to prevent nefarious individuals from ruining their businesses and jeopardizing innocent people’s finances.

The meeting, held at the police command in Ilorin, included representatives from KAPPSA, including Kayode Olatunji Moses, General Secretary; Alh Yakub Abdulmumineen Aduagba Gowon, BOT Chairman; Alh Nasir Salaudeen, Treasurer; and Olukayode David, PRO. ITPA representatives, such as Abdulhammeed Abiodun Jamiu, were also present, along with senior police officers, including DCP Nurudeen Abdulraheem, DCP Adegboyega Oyeleye, the head of the Criminal Investigation Department, and ACP Amos Bello.