The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has impounded more than 30 vehicles as it commenced enforcement of a ban on tinted vehicles, obscured number plates, and improperly registered cars across Abuja.
FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, said the operation was launched to curb the growing use of such vehicles by criminals involved in kidnappings, one-chance robberies, and other violent crimes within the nation’s capital.
According to Sanusi, Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, approved the enforcement exercise following intelligence reports indicating that criminals frequently exploit tinted vehicles and concealed number plates to evade detection.
“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 explained that the command had begun a comprehensive operation targeting vehicles operating with tinted glasses, covered or obscured number plates, and incomplete registration documents.
“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 disclosed.
The police boss stressed that the exercise was not aimed at harassing law-abiding residents but at denying criminals the anonymity they often rely on to commit crimes.
He warned that owners and operators of the seized vehicles would face prosecution under relevant laws, including provisions of the FCT Road Transport Regulations Act, 2023.
Sanusi also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious vehicles and activities, adding that the command remains committed to intelligence-led policing and proactive crime prevention.
The renewed enforcement comes amid lingering uncertainty over the status of the Nigeria Police Force’s tinted glass permit policy.
The Force had suspended nationwide enforcement of the policy on January 1, 2026, following an interim court order restraining its implementation. The suspension was announced by then Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin.
While the police had earlier planned to resume enforcement on January 2, 2026, it remains unclear whether the court order has been vacated or if the suspension remains legally in force.
The latest crackdown signals a tougher security posture in Abuja as authorities seek to curb criminal activities linked to untraceable and concealed vehicles.
