The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has impounded more than 30 vehicles for violating regulations on tinted windows, concealed number plates, and improper vehicle registration as authorities intensified enforcement of the ban across Abuja.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, FCT Commissioner of Police Ahmed Sanusi said the operation was part of efforts to curb criminal activities, particularly kidnappings, one-chance robberies, and other violent crimes often linked to the use of vehicles with obscured identities.
Sanusi disclosed that the enforcement drive was launched following approval from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to strictly implement regulations governing the use of tinted vehicles and related traffic offences.
According to the police commissioner, intelligence gathered by the command revealed that criminal elements frequently exploit tinted glasses and covered number plates to conceal their identities, evade detection, and hinder law enforcement operations.
“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,” Sanusi said.
He added that the development posed a significant security concern for residents of the nation’s capital.
“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,” he stated.
Sanusi stressed that the exercise was not designed to harass law-abiding citizens but to eliminate the advantages criminals derive from operating vehicles that make identification difficult.
As part of the ongoing operation, he said, security operatives had already confiscated more than 30 vehicles found in breach of the regulations.
“Over 30 vehicles found to be operating with tinted glasses, covered or obscured number plates, and without proper registration have been impounded,” the commissioner disclosed.
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He warned that owners and operators of the affected vehicles would face prosecution under the relevant provisions of Nigerian law and 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 said.
The police chief reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and proactive crime prevention, urging residents to support security agencies by reporting suspicious persons, vehicles, and activities.
Sanusi also appealed for public understanding as the command continues the enforcement campaign, describing it as part of broader measures aimed at improving security and denying criminals opportunities to operate undetected within Abuja.
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 permit requirement on January 1, 2026, following an interim court order restraining its implementation, after earlier announcing plans to resume enforcement from January 2, 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen public safety and internal security.
However, it remains unclear whether the court order has since been lifted or whether the suspension of the permit policy remains in effect.