The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has impounded more than 30 vehicles as it commenced enforcement of the ban on tinted vehicles and other traffic violations across Abuja.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, said the operation was designed to curb criminal activities such as one-chance robberies, kidnappings, and other violent crimes often linked to vehicles with concealed identities.
Sanusi disclosed that the enforcement exercise followed approval from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to begin strict implementation of regulations prohibiting the use of tinted glasses, obscured number plates, and improperly registered vehicles within the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the police commissioner, intelligence gathered by the command revealed that many criminal elements exploit tinted vehicles and covered number plates to avoid identification and hinder law enforcement investigations.
“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.
“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 explained that the operation was not targeted at law-abiding residents but was intended to deny criminals the anonymity they often rely on to carry out unlawful activities.
“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,” he stated.
Sanusi revealed that the command had already impounded more than 30 vehicles found to be operating in violation of the regulations.
“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.
He warned that owners and operators of the affected vehicles would face prosecution in accordance with existing 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.
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The commissioner reiterated the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and proactive crime prevention, urging residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious persons, vehicles, and activities through the nearest police station or 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.
Sanusi maintained that the operation forms part of broader efforts to strengthen security and prevent criminals from operating undetected within the nation’s capital.
The renewed enforcement, however, comes amid lingering uncertainty over the status of the Nigeria Police Force’s tinted glass permit policy.
On January 1, 2026, the police suspended nationwide enforcement of the policy following an interim court order restraining its implementation. The suspension was announced in a statement issued by the then Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin.
The Force had earlier indicated that enforcement of the policy would resume on January 2, 2026, as part of efforts to enhance public safety and internal security.
It remains unclear whether the court order has since been vacated or whether the suspension of the policy is still in effect.
