FCT police impound over 30 vehicles as tinted glass ban takes effect

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has impounded more than 30 vehicles for violating the ban on tinted glasses, as well as for having obscured number plates and improper registration documents.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Friday, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, explained that the operation was launched to curb the rising use of such vehicles by criminals involved in one-chance robberies, kidnappings, and other violent crimes across the territory.

He stated that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, had authorised the command to fully enforce the ban.

According to the police chief, intelligence reports revealed that criminal elements deliberately use tinted vehicles and concealed number plates to hide their identities, avoid detection, and hinder 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,” Sanusi said.

He added that intelligence at the command’s disposal indicated that many criminals rely on such vehicles to evade arrest, posing a serious threat to public safety.

The commissioner emphasised that the enforcement exercise was not aimed at inconveniencing law-abiding citizens but was designed to strip criminals of the cover they exploit to attack innocent residents.

As part of the ongoing operation, over 30 vehicles fitted with tinted glasses, covered or hidden number plates, or lacking proper registration have been seized.

Sanusi warned that owners and operators of the impounded vehicles would be prosecuted under relevant laws, including the FCT Road Transport Regulations Act of 2023.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and proactive crime prevention, while urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious vehicles or activities to the nearest police station or via emergency lines.

The crackdown comes amid questions over the status of the police’s tinted glass permit policy. On January 1, 2026, the Force suspended nationwide enforcement following an interim court order. It remains unclear whether that order has since been vacated.