The Nigeria Police Force has impounded more than 30 vehicles in the Federal Capital Territory for offences including the use of tinted windows, obscured number plates, and improper vehicle registration, as it began enforcement of the ban on tinted vehicles within the nation’s capital.
Addressing journalists at the command headquarters on Friday, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, said the operation was designed to curb the rising trend of criminal activities linked to such vehicles, including one-chance robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes in the territory.
He stated that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, had authorised the commencement of the enforcement exercise.
Sanusi explained that intelligence gathered by the command showed that criminal elements deliberately rely on tinted vehicles and concealed plates to disguise their identities, avoid detection, and obstruct policing 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.”
He further noted that the operation followed directives to strictly enforce existing regulations against tinted glasses and other related traffic violations often exploited for criminal activities.
According to him, a comprehensive crackdown had already been launched targeting vehicles found in violation of the rules.
“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.
The police commissioner confirmed that over 30 vehicles had already been seized during the ongoing enforcement.
“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 added that offenders would face prosecution under 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 also appealed for public cooperation, stressing that the operation was part of wider intelligence-led policing efforts aimed at improving security in the capital.
He urged residents to report suspicious persons, vehicles, or activities to security agencies through appropriate channels.
“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.
He reiterated that the crackdown was intended to deny criminal networks the operational cover they often exploit within the territory.
The development comes amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding 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.
Earlier, the police had announced on December 15, 2025, that enforcement would resume on January 2, 2026, as part of renewed efforts to enhance public safety and internal security.
However, it remains unclear whether the court order has since been lifted or whether the suspension is still in effect.
