FCT Police Impound Over 30 Vehicles In Fresh Crackdown On Tinted Glass Violations

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has impounded more than 30 vehicles for operating with tinted glasses, obscured number plates, and improper registration as enforcement of regulations on tinted vehicles begins across Abuja.

Addressing journalists at the command headquarters on Friday, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, said the operation was aimed at curbing the growing use of such vehicles by criminals involved in one-chance robberies, kidnappings, and other violent crimes within the territory.

He said the enforcement was carried out under the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, authorising the command to strictly implement the ban on tinted vehicles and related violations.

Sanusi explained that intelligence reports had shown that criminal elements deliberately rely on tinted vehicles and concealed number plates to evade detection and frustrate law enforcement efforts.

“The IGP 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 said.

The commissioner noted that the operation followed a broader directive to enforce existing traffic and security regulations aimed at preventing criminal exploitation of vehicle modifications.

According to him, the command has launched a comprehensive enforcement exercise targeting vehicles in violation of the rules across the FCT.

“This exercise is not intended in any way to inconvenience law-abiding citizens, but to deny criminals the cover they exploit to commit crimes against innocent citizens and residents of the FCT at large,” he stated.

Sanusi disclosed that more than 30 vehicles had already been seized since the commencement of 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.

He warned that owners of the affected vehicles would be prosecuted in line with extant 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 added.

The police commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and urged residents to cooperate with ongoing security operations.

He also called on members of the public to report suspicious vehicles and 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.

Sanusi maintained that the crackdown was part of wider efforts to strengthen security and reduce the operational space of criminal networks within Abuja.

The enforcement comes amid renewed uncertainty over the status of the Nigeria Police Force tinted glass permit policy.

On January 1, 2026, the Force suspended nationwide enforcement of the policy following a court order restraining its implementation, according to a statement issued by then Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin.

Earlier, the police had announced that enforcement would resume on January 2, 2026, as part of renewed security measures.