By Abubakar Ojima-ojo
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has impounded more than 30 vehicles for operating with tinted glasses, obscured number plates, and improper registration as it commenced the enforcement of the ban on tinted vehicles across Abuja.
Addressing journalists at the command on Friday, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, said the operation was aimed at tackling the growing use of such vehicles by criminals involved in one-chance robberies, kidnappings, and other violent crimes within the territory.
According to him, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has given the command the go-ahead to enforce the ban.
Sanusi said intelligence reports indicated that criminal elements deliberately use tinted vehicles and concealed number plates to hide their identities, evade detection, and frustrate law enforcement efforts.
He said: “The IG has given us the mandate to begin the enforcement of the ban on the use of tinted vehicles and other offences as earlier stated.
“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 followed a directive to begin strict implementation of regulations prohibiting the use of tinted glasses and other traffic-related violations that could aid criminal activities.
Consequently, he said the command had launched a comprehensive operation targeting vehicles operating in violation of the regulations.
“This exercise is not intended in any way to inconvenience law-abiding citizens, but it is to deny criminals the cover they exploit to operate crimes against innocent citizens and the FCT residents at large,” Sanusi stated.
He disclosed that more than 30 vehicles had already been seized during the operation.
“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,” he said.
The commissioner warned that owners and operators of the impounded vehicles would be prosecuted in accordance with relevant laws.
“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 added.
Sanusi reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and proactive crime prevention, urging residents to support the enforcement exercise.
He also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons, vehicles, or activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.
“We therefore seek the understanding, cooperation, and support of the public as we continue this enforcement exercise and enforce the ban on the use of such vehicles and the total ban on tinted glasses across the FCT,” he said.
The police boss maintained that the crackdown was part of broader efforts to improve security and deny criminals the means of operating undetected within the nation’s capital.
The enforcement of restrictions on tinted vehicles comes amid uncertainty over the status of the Nigeria Police Force’s tinted glass permit policy.
On January 1, 2026, the Force suspended nationwide enforcement of the policy following an interim court order restraining its implementation, according to a statement issued by the then Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin.
The police had earlier announced on December 15, 2025, that enforcement of the policy would resume from January 2, 2026, as part of measures aimed at strengthening public safety and internal security.
However, it remains unclear whether the court order has since been vacated or whether the suspension remains in effect.
