FCT police impound over 30 vehicles, enforce ban on tinted glass

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has impounded more than 30 vehicles for violating regulations on tinted glasses, obscured number plates and improper vehicle registration as it commenced enforcement of the ban on tinted vehicles across Abuja.

Speaking to journalists on Friday, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, said the operation was designed to curb the use of such vehicles by criminals involved in kidnapping, one-chance robberies and other violent crimes within the territory.

Sanusi disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, had authorised the command to begin enforcement of the restrictions.

According to him, intelligence gathered by the command revealed that criminal elements frequently use tinted vehicles and concealed number plates to hide their identities, evade detection and frustrate law enforcement efforts.

“The IG has given us the mandate to begin enforcement of the ban on the use of tinted vehicles and other related offences,” he said.

“Intelligence reports available to 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 commissioner explained that the exercise followed directives for the strict implementation of regulations prohibiting the use of tinted glasses and other traffic violations that could facilitate criminal activities.

As part of the operation, the command launched a coordinated enforcement drive targeting vehicles operating in breach of the regulations.

He stressed that the exercise was not intended to inconvenience law-abiding residents but to deny criminals the cover often exploited to perpetrate crimes.

Sanusi revealed that more than 30 vehicles had already been seized during the ongoing operation.

He added that owners and operators of the impounded vehicles would face prosecution under relevant laws, including 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 commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and proactive crime prevention, while urging residents to cooperate with law enforcement authorities and report suspicious persons, vehicles or activities through the nearest police station or designated emergency lines.

He maintained that the crackdown forms part of broader efforts to strengthen security and prevent criminals from operating undetected within the nation’s capital.

The enforcement exercise comes amid lingering 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 then Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin.

The police had earlier announced that enforcement would resume on January 2, 2026, as part of measures aimed at enhancing public safety and internal security. However, it remains unclear whether the court order has since been vacated or if the suspension remains in force.