The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has impounded more than 30 vehicles as it commenced enforcement of regulations against tinted glasses, obscured number plates, and improper vehicle registration across Abuja.
The operation targets vehicles operating in violation of traffic and security regulations, with authorities linking such practices to rising cases of violent crimes in the capital.
Addressing journalists on Friday, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, said the enforcement exercise was approved following directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.
Sanusi explained that intelligence reports indicated that criminal elements frequently use tinted vehicles and concealed number plates to hide their identities during offences such as one-chance robberies, kidnappings, and other violent crimes.
“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,” he said.
He added that the move was necessary to enhance public safety and support intelligence-led policing in the territory.
“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,” Sanusi stated.
According to the police commissioner, the enforcement exercise is not intended to inconvenience law-abiding citizens but to deny criminals the operational advantages they exploit.
“This exercise is not intended in any way to inconvenience law-abiding citizens, but it is to deny criminals the cover they exploit to operate crimes against innocent citizens and the FCT residents at large,” he said.
Sanusi confirmed that more than 30 vehicles had already been seized during the ongoing operation for violations including tinted windows, covered or obscured number plates, and lack of proper registration.
“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 vehicle owners found in violation would be prosecuted under relevant provisions of the law, 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 commissioner also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and report suspicious vehicles or activities to assist ongoing crime prevention efforts.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to strengthening security through proactive enforcement and intelligence-driven operations across the capital territory.
Meanwhile, the development comes amid ongoing legal and policy uncertainty surrounding the Nigeria Police Force’s tinted glass permit system.
Earlier in January 2026, the Force suspended nationwide enforcement of the policy following a court order restraining its implementation, according to a statement previously issued by the police.
It remains unclear whether the legal restrictions have been lifted, as enforcement continues in the FCT, raising questions about the consistency of national policy application.
Security analysts say the renewed crackdown reflects heightened efforts to curb vehicle-enabled crimes in Abuja, even as broader regulatory clarity is still awaited.
