The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has begun enforcement of the ban on tinted glass, impounding more than 30 vehicles in a coordinated operation across Abuja.
The exercise, which also targeted vehicles with obscured number plates and improper registration, was announced on Friday by the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi.
According to the police chief, the enforcement follows a mandate from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, authorising the command to crack down on violations of tinted glass regulations as part of broader efforts to enhance public safety within the nation’s capital.
Why the enforcement began now
Sanusi disclosed that 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 told journalists.
“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.”
He stressed that the operation was designed to deny criminals involved in kidnapping, one-chance robberies and other violent crimes the cover they often exploit to perpetrate offences within the territory.
Seized vehicles and prosecution
Sanusi revealed that more than 30 vehicles had already been seized since the command began enforcement of the ban.
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 commissioner maintained that the enforcement exercise was not intended to inconvenience law-abiding residents but to strengthen security and prevent criminals from operating undetected.
He urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement authorities and report suspicious persons, vehicles or activities through the nearest police station or designated emergency lines.
Policy uncertainty lingers
The command’s decision to begin enforcement of the ban 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.
It remains unclear whether the court order has since been vacated or if the suspension remains in force.
However, Sanusi reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and proactive crime prevention, stating that the crackdown forms part of broader efforts to secure the Federal Capital Territory.
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