FCT Police Impound 30 Vehicles as Enforcement of Tinted Glass Ban Begins

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

FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, disclosed this while addressing journalists on Friday, stating that the operation was aimed at curbing the use of such vehicles by criminals involved in one-chance robberies, kidnappings, and other violent crimes within the nation’s capital.

According to the police commissioner, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has authorised the command to begin enforcement of the ban and other related traffic regulations.

Sanusi explained that intelligence reports available to the command revealed that criminal elements often exploit 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 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 enforcement exercise followed directives to ensure strict compliance with regulations prohibiting the use of tinted glasses and other vehicle-related violations that could facilitate criminal activities.

He stressed that the operation was not designed to harass law-abiding residents but to deny criminals the anonymity often provided by illegally tinted vehicles.

“This exercise is not intended in any way to inconvenience law-abiding citizens. Rather, it is aimed at denying criminals the cover they exploit to commit crimes against innocent citizens and residents of the FCT,” Sanusi stated.

The police boss disclosed that over 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 added.

He warned that owners and operators of the affected vehicles would face prosecution in accordance with the laws of the Federation and the provisions of the FCT Road Transport Regulations Act, 2023.

Sanusi reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and proactive crime prevention, urging residents to support the exercise by reporting suspicious persons, vehicles, and activities to the nearest police station or through designated emergency lines.

The crackdown forms part of broader efforts by the police to strengthen security and prevent criminals from operating undetected within the Federal Capital Territory.

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

Recall that on January 1, 2026, the Force announced the suspension of nationwide enforcement of the policy following an interim court order restraining its implementation.

The decision was conveyed in a statement issued by the then Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, after the police had earlier indicated that enforcement would resume on January 2, 2026, as part of measures to enhance public safety and national security.

However, it remains unclear whether the court order has since been vacated or whether the suspension of the permit enforcement policy remains in force.