Nigerian Police Crack Down On Tinted Glasses In Abuja, Seize Over 30 Vehicles
Nigerian Police Crack Down On Tinted Glasses In Abuja, Seize Over 30 Vehicles
The police commissioner explained that the enforcement exercise forms part of broader efforts to strengthen security in Abuja and deny criminals the anonymity they often exploit while committing crimes.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has impounded more than 30 vehicles for allegedly violating regulations on tinted glasses, concealed number plates and improper registration as authorities commenced a fresh enforcement drive across Abuja.
The operation, launched on the directive of the former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, comes despite lingering uncertainty over the legal status of the Nigeria Police Force’s controversial tinted-glass permit policy, which was suspended earlier this year following a court order.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Friday, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, said the crackdown was targeted at criminal elements who allegedly use tinted vehicles and hidden number plates to evade detection while carrying out kidnappings, one-chance robberies and other violent crimes within the Federal Capital Territory.
According to Sanusi, intelligence reports available to the command revealed that many criminals deliberately operate vehicles with heavily tinted windows and concealed registration numbers to hide their identities from security agencies.
“The Inspector-General of Police has given us the mandate to begin the enforcement of the ban on the use of tinted vehicles and other related offences,” Sanusi said as quoted by newsmen.
“Intelligence reports at the disposal of the command indicate that many criminal elements deliberately use such vehicles to conceal their identities, evade detection and frustrate law enforcement efforts. This poses a serious threat to public safety.”
The police commissioner explained that the enforcement exercise forms part of broader efforts to strengthen security in Abuja and deny criminals the anonymity they often exploit while committing crimes.
He maintained that the operation was not designed to harass law-abiding residents but to address security concerns associated with the abuse of tinted vehicles.
“This exercise is not intended in any way to inconvenience law-abiding citizens. Rather, it is aimed at denying criminals the cover they exploit to commit crimes against innocent residents of the FCT,” he said.
Sanusi disclosed that more than 30 vehicles had already been seized during the ongoing operation for operating with tinted glasses, obscured number plates and inadequate registration documentation.
“As part of this ongoing enforcement, over 30 vehicles found to be operating with tinted glasses, covered or obscured number plates and without proper registration have been impounded.
“The owners and operators of these vehicles will be charged to court in accordance with the laws of the Federation and the FCT Road Transport Regulations Act, 2023,” he stated.
The police commissioner urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious vehicles, individuals and activities through designated police channels.
He also appealed for public support as the command intensifies enforcement across the nation’s capital.
The renewed crackdown comes months after the Nigeria Police Force suspended nationwide enforcement of its tinted-glass permit policy.
On January 1, 2026, the Force announced the suspension of the policy following an interim court order restraining its implementation. The announcement was made in a statement issued by the then Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin.
Prior to the suspension, the police had announced plans to resume enforcement of the permit regime from January 2, 2026, citing security concerns and the need to regulate the use of tinted vehicles nationwide.
However, it remains unclear whether the court order that halted implementation of the policy has been vacated or whether the suspension remains legally binding.
The latest enforcement action is therefore likely to raise fresh questions about the legal framework guiding the police operation, particularly as motorists and civil rights advocates continue to seek clarity on the status of the suspended tinted-glass permit policy.
The development comes amid growing concerns over rising incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery and one-chance attacks in Abuja, prompting security agencies to intensify surveillance and enforcement measures across the Federal Capital Territory.
