By Adewole Kehinde
The recent enforcement operation launched by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command against unauthorized tinted glass vehicles, concealed number plates, covered registration plates, and unregistered vehicles has generated considerable public debate. While some have criticized the initiative, many residents who genuinely desire a safer Abuja understand that the action is both timely and necessary.
I commend the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, PhD, for demonstrating courage and professionalism in implementing measures aimed at addressing the growing security concerns within the nation’s capital.
Over the years, the increasing use of vehicles with heavily tinted glasses, concealed or covered number plates, and unregistered vehicles has become a major security challenge. Criminal elements have consistently exploited these vehicles in the commission of crimes, particularly the notorious “one-chance” robberies, kidnappings, armed robberies, and other criminal activities that have left many residents traumatized and financially devastated.
The FCT Police Command has disclosed that intelligence reports at its disposal indicate that many criminal elements deliberately use such vehicles to conceal their identities, evade detection, and frustrate law enforcement efforts. This trend poses a serious threat to public safety and requires decisive action from security agencies.
Unfortunately, some individuals have attempted to justify non-compliance with existing regulations by claiming that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had stopped the enforcement of tinted glass permits. Such arguments are either based on misinformation or a deliberate misrepresentation of the facts.
It is important to remind the public that the Federal High Court in Abuja has already dismissed the suit filed by the Nigerian Bar Association challenging the enforcement of tinted glass permits by the Nigeria Police Force. In its judgment, the court ruled that the use of tinted glass is not a constitutionally guaranteed right.
The case, Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/182/2025, was instituted against the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force. The NBA had argued that the mandatory permit requirement and associated fees for tinted vehicles amounted to administrative overreach and infringed on the civil liberties of motorists.
However, Justice Suleman Liman held that the NBA failed to establish that the policy was unlawful. The court specifically ruled that the association did not discharge the burden of proof required to invalidate the police policy. Consequently, the legal challenge failed, and the authority of the Nigeria Police Force to regulate and enforce tinted glass permits remained intact.
It will be recalled that in 2025, the Nigeria Police Force reactivated its online platform for the issuance of vehicle tinted glass permits and commenced active enforcement of compliance nationwide. Following opposition from the NBA and various legal actions instituted across different judicial divisions, enforcement was occasionally suspended. However, the Federal High Court judgment effectively cleared the way for the police to continue enforcing the regulations in line with their statutory responsibilities.
Those who genuinely support the fight against crime should recognize that effective policing requires proactive measures. Security agencies cannot be expected to tackle criminality effectively while allowing tools commonly exploited by criminals to remain unchecked.
Motorists and residents of the FCT should therefore support the ongoing comprehensive enforcement operation being carried out by the FCT Police Command. The exercise is not designed to harass or inconvenience law-abiding citizens who have legitimately obtained approval to use tinted glasses on their vehicles. Rather, it is intended to deny criminals the cover they exploit to perpetrate crimes against innocent citizens and residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
The Commissioner of Police has repeatedly emphasized that legitimate permit holders have nothing to fear. The objective is to identify and remove vehicles operating outside the law and to make it more difficult for criminal elements to move freely within the FCT.
As Abuja continues to grow in population and economic significance, security must remain a collective responsibility. Residents must cooperate with law enforcement agencies by complying with vehicle regulations, maintaining proper documentation, and reporting suspicious activities.
The FCT Police Command’s enforcement initiative should therefore be viewed as a preventive security measure rather than a punitive exercise. CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi deserves commendation for prioritizing public safety and taking practical steps to curb criminal activities that threaten the peace and security of residents.
A safer Abuja can only be achieved when security agencies and citizens work together. Supporting the enforcement of regulations governing tinted glass permits and vehicle identification is one of the many ways residents can contribute to making the Federal Capital Territory safer for all.
Adewole Kehinde writes from FCT, Abuja. Email: kennyadewole@gmail.com X: @kennyadewole
