The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has intensified enforcement of regulations governing tinted vehicle windows, impounding more than 30 vehicles found in violation of existing laws.
The renewed crackdown, announced on Friday in Abuja, is part of efforts by the command to tackle growing security concerns linked to the misuse of tinted-glass vehicles, concealed number plates, and unregistered automobiles within the nation’s capital.
Speaking during a media briefing on Friday, the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, said intelligence reports indicated that criminal elements increasingly exploit such vehicles to carry out illegal activities while avoiding detection by security agencies.
“Today, I wish to address a matter of significant public safety concern; the increasing use of vehicles with tinted glasses, concealed or covered number plates, and unregistered vehicles in the commission of crimes, particularly the notorious ‘one-chance’ robberies, kidnappings, and other criminal activities within the FCT,” he said.
According to the police chief, investigations and intelligence gathering have shown that many criminals deliberately use tinted windows and obscured registration numbers to conceal their identities and frustrate law enforcement efforts.
“Intelligence reports at the disposal of 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.
“Consequently, the FCT Police Command has commenced a comprehensive enforcement operation targeting vehicles operating in violation of these regulations,” he said.
Sanusi explained that the operation is not aimed at motorists who have obtained legitimate permits for tinted glass usage. Rather, he said the exercise is designed to eliminate loopholes frequently exploited by criminals.
He stressed that law-abiding residents have nothing to fear, provided they comply with relevant regulations and possess the necessary approvals.
According to him, the objective is to prevent criminals from using tinted vehicles as a shield while carrying out kidnappings, robberies and other offences across the Federal Capital Territory.
As part of the ongoing enforcement campaign, police officers have already seized dozens of vehicles found operating in breach of the regulations.
“As part of this ongoing enforcement, over thirty (30) vehicles found to be operating with tinted glass, covered or obscured number plates, and without proper registration have been impounded,” the commissioner disclosed.
He further revealed that owners and operators of the affected vehicles would face prosecution in accordance with existing federal laws and the provisions of the FCT Road Transport Regulations, 2023.
The command believed strict enforcement of these rules would help improve public safety and reduce opportunities for criminal activities within the territory.
Reaffirming the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing, Sanusi said security agencies would continue adopting proactive measures aimed at preventing crime and protecting residents.
He appealed for public understanding and cooperation as the operation continues across different parts of the capital city.
“We therefore seek the understanding, cooperation, and support of the public as we continue this enforcement exercise,” he said.
The commissioner also encouraged residents to remain alert and assist security agencies by reporting suspicious persons, vehicles or activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency communication channels.
“We also encourage residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles, or activities to the nearest Police Station or through the Command’s emergency lines, ” he said.
The latest enforcement action comes amid growing concerns over the use of unregistered and heavily tinted vehicles in criminal operations, particularly cases of abduction and the notorious “one-chance” robberies that have become a recurring security challenge in the Federal Capital Territory.
