Olushola Omogbehin
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has impounded more than 30 vehicles for operating with tinted glasses, obscured number plates, and improper registration as it commenced the enforcement of the ban on tinted vehicles across Abuja.
Addressing journalists at the command on Friday, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, said the operation was aimed at tackling the growing use of such vehicles by criminals involved in one-chance robberies, kidnappings, and other violent crimes within the territory.
According to him, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has given the command the go-ahead to enforce the ban.
Speaking further, he said intelligence reports showed that criminal elements deliberately use 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.
Sanusi said the enforcement will begin with strict implementation of regulations prohibiting the use of tinted glasses and other traffic-related violations that could aid criminal activities.
Sequel, the command he said had launched a comprehensive operation targeting vehicles operating in violation of the regulations.
“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,” Sanusi said..
Disclosing that more than 30 vehicles had already been seized during the operation, he said:
“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.
“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.
Calling on members of the public to be observant and report suspicious persons or vehicles to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines, Sanusi said FCT command is committed to intelligence-led policing and proactive crime prevention
“We therefore seek the understanding, cooperation, and support of the public as we continue this enforcement exercise and enforce the ban on the use of such vehicles and the total ban on tinted glasses across the FCT,” he said.
Earlier, the police announced on December 15, 2025, that enforcement of the policy would resume from January 2, 2026, as one of the measures at strengthening public safety and internal security.
However, on January 1, 2026, the Force suspended the enforcement policy following an interim court order restraining its implementation, according to a statement issued by the then Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin.
However, it remains unclear whether the court order has since been vacated or whether the suspension remains in effect.
