By Jimmy Fatunbi
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has impounded more than 30 vehicles for violating regulations on tinted glass, obscured number plates, and improper registration as authorities commenced enforcement of the ban on tinted vehicles across Abuja.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, said the exercise was part of efforts to curb criminal activities, particularly one-chance robberies, kidnappings, and other violent crimes often linked to the use of such vehicles.
Sanusi disclosed that the enforcement followed a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, authorising the command to begin strict implementation of the ban.
According to him, intelligence gathered by the police revealed that criminals frequently use tinted vehicles and concealed number plates to hide their identities, evade detection, and frustrate law enforcement operations.
“The Inspector-General of Police has given us the mandate to commence enforcement of the ban on the use of tinted vehicles and related offences. Intelligence reports available to the command indicate that many criminal elements deliberately use such vehicles to conceal their identities, evade detection, and undermine law enforcement efforts. This poses a serious threat to public safety,” he said.
The police commissioner explained that the operation was designed to enforce existing regulations on tinted glass and other traffic violations that could facilitate criminal activities.
He stressed that the exercise was not intended to inconvenience law-abiding residents but to deny criminals the cover they exploit in carrying out offences across the territory.
“As part of this ongoing enforcement, over 30 vehicles operating with tinted glasses, covered or obscured number plates, and without proper registration have been impounded,” Sanusi said.
He added that owners and operators of the affected vehicles would face prosecution in line with relevant laws and the provisions of the FCT Road Transport Regulations Act, 2023.
“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.
Sanusi reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and proactive crime prevention, calling on residents to support the exercise by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious persons, vehicles, and activities to security agencies.
He urged members of the public to cooperate with the police as enforcement continues, noting that the operation forms part of broader efforts to strengthen security and prevent criminals from operating undetected within the nation’s capital.
The renewed crackdown comes amid lingering uncertainty over the status of the Nigeria Police Force’s tinted glass permit policy.
The Force had suspended nationwide enforcement of the policy on January 1, 2026, following an interim court order restraining its implementation, according to a statement issued at the time by the then Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin.
Earlier, the police had announced plans to resume enforcement of the policy from January 2, 2026, as part of measures aimed at enhancing public safety and national security.
However, it remains unclear whether the court order has since been vacated or if the suspension of the policy is still in effect.
