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 officially commenced the enforcement of the ban on tinted vehicles across Abuja.
Addressing journalists at the command headquarters on Friday, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, stated that the ongoing operation is 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 the commissioner, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has given the command the explicit authorization and go-ahead to rigidly enforce the ban.
Sanusi explained that recent intelligence reports clearly indicated that criminal elements deliberately use tinted vehicles and concealed number plates to hide their identities, evade detection, and frustrate ongoing law enforcement efforts.
Detailing the directive, the Police Commissioner said: “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 further warned of the security implications, stating, “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.”
The police chief explained that the enforcement exercise followed a strict directive to implement regulations prohibiting the use of tinted glasses and other traffic-related violations that could aid criminal activities.
Consequently, the command has launched a comprehensive, territory-wide operation specifically targeting vehicles operating in direct violation of these established regulations.
Assuring the public of the operation’s true intent, Sanusi stated: “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.”
Highlighting the immediate success of the crackdown, the CP disclosed that a significant number of non-compliant cars had already been taken off the roads.
“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.
