Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has commenced a full enforcement of the ban on vehicles with tinted windows, impounding more than 30 cars in a crackdown aimed at curbing the activities of criminal gangs, particularly one‑chance robbers and kidnappers who use darkened glass to conceal their identities and evade detection. The announcement was made on Friday, June 5, 2026, by the Commissioner of Police for the FCT, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, during a news conference at the command’s headquarters in Abuja.
Sanusi stated that the enforcement operation was launched following intelligence reports indicating that criminal elements within the territory deliberately exploit vehicles with illegal tinted windows, concealed number plates, and improper registration to commit offences such as armed robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking. “This poses a serious threat to public safety,” the police commissioner said. “Many vehicles used for criminal operations in the territory often have tinted windows, hidden number plates, or no proper registration. Such vehicles make it easier for criminals to hide their identities, avoid being detected, and make the work of security agencies more difficult.” He further disclosed that the Inspector‑General of Police, Olatunji Disu, had personally directed the command to begin a rigorous enforcement of existing regulations prohibiting the use of unauthorised tinted glass, as well as traffic‑related violations that aid criminal activity.
According to Sanusi, the ongoing operation has already led to the seizure of more than 30 vehicles found to be operating with illegal tinted glass, obscured or covered number plates, or without valid 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 told journalists. The commissioner clarified that the crackdown is not aimed at inconveniencing law‑abiding citizens who have legitimately obtained approval to use tinted glass on their vehicles. “This exercise is not intended in any way to inconvenience law‑abiding citizens, but it is to deny criminals the cover they exploit to perpetrate crimes against innocent citizens and FCT residents at large,” he stated.
The police commissioner warned that owners and operators of the impounded vehicles would face prosecution in line with federal laws and 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 said. He further pledged the command’s commitment to intelligence‑led policing and proactive crime prevention strategies aimed at protecting lives and property across the nation’s capital. Sanusi also called on residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles, or activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.
The enforcement of the tinted glass ban comes after a period of legal uncertainty. In October 2025, the Nigeria Police Force suspended enforcement of its tinted glass permit policy following an interim court order restraining the implementation. The court had issued an injunction in a suit filed by the Nigerian Bar Association, which described the policy as unlawful. The police subsequently announced in December 2025 that enforcement would resume from January 2, 2026, citing its mandate to ensure public safety and internal security. However, on January 1, 2026, the Force again suspended nationwide enforcement after being served with another interim court order. The legal status of the policy has remained unclear, and it is not known whether the latest court order has since been vacated or whether the suspension remains in effect. Despite this, the FCT Police Command has now proceeded with enforcement, citing the directive of the Inspector‑General of Police.
Beyond the tinted glass crackdown, the police commissioner also announced the arrest of several suspected kidnappers and the recovery of an AK‑47 rifle and other weapons in separate operations across the territory. He disclosed that operatives of the FCT Police VCRU Sector 5 and personnel from Zuba Division had, on May 25, 2026, arrested three suspects at a hideout in Runji Village, Zuba, who had been seen in viral social media videos brandishing AK‑47 rifles and dressed in military camouflage. The suspects were identified as Umar Babangida, 25; Adamu Yeti, 22; and Yahaya Idris, 24, all residents of Rijana, Kaduna State. An AK‑47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of live ammunition, eight mobile phones, two jackknives, power banks, and incriminating videos and photographs were recovered from them. The suspects are currently in custody, while their gang leader, identified only as “Esco”, remains at large. Sanusi also announced the arrest of a criminal conspiracy and kidnapping gang in connection with the abduction of a 22‑year‑old man, Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, who had been missing since April 21, 2026. The investigation, which leveraged digital reconstructive intelligence, led to the rescue of the victim and the arrest of multiple suspects.
The police commissioner described these achievements as a testament to the resilience, professionalism, and commitment of officers and men of the FCT Police Command, adding that they reflect the invaluable support and cooperation of well‑meaning residents whose intelligence and partnership contributed significantly to the successes. As the enforcement of the tinted glass ban continues across Abuja, the command has urged the public for understanding, cooperation, and support, assuring that the exercise will be carried out with utmost professionalism and respect for the rights of citizens.
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