In a bold move aimed at curbing rising security concerns, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has announced its intention to impound all vehicles with tinted glasses in Abuja.
The crackdown was officially confirmed by the Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, during a press conference on Tuesday at the command’s headquarters in the heart of the capital city.
According to CP Disu, the use of tinted windows in vehicles has become a growing security issue in Nigeria, with criminals exploiting them for nefarious purposes.
“We are clamping down on all commercial vehicles and everybody tinting their vehicles,” CP Disu declared. “We need to see people in their vehicles.”
The police have emphasized that tinted windows have contributed to a surge in lawlessness across the country, as they often conceal the identity of individuals in vehicles, making it difficult for the public to spot potential criminal activity.
“No One Has the Right to Tint Their Vehicle”
The Commissioner of Police was firm in his stance, stressing that no one has the right to tint their vehicle’s windows. His statement comes as part of a broader effort to tackle the rising insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory and other regions of the country.
“Tinted glasses are contributing to a lot of lawlessness in the country,” CP Disu explained, adding that the police were especially concerned with how criminals were using tinted windows to avoid detection.
This move to enforce the law on tinted vehicles comes amid increasing concerns about kidnapping and other forms of violent crime in Abuja and its surrounding areas.
Security Concerns Fuel the Crackdown
The issue of tinted vehicle glasses has been under scrutiny for some time, with security agencies raising alarms about how criminals have been using them to cover up their actions.
One of the major concerns raised by the police is the fact that many criminals use tinted vehicles to conceal their identity and the activities taking place inside the vehicle. The police have noted that a number of recent kidnappings and other crimes have involved the use of vehicles with tinted windows.
“A lot of rescued kidnap victims have told us that the tinted glasses made it impossible for people to know that they were in distress,” CP Disu revealed.
In addition to hiding the occupants of the vehicles, criminals have also been observed covering their number plates or using fake plates to evade identification.
Police to Enforce All Laws on Tinted Glasses
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has vowed to enforce all existing laws related to tinted vehicles. CP Disu’s announcement serves as a clear warning to vehicle owners in Abuja that any vehicle with tinted windows will be subject to inspection and possible impoundment.
“Police will enforce all laws on tinted glasses,” he reiterated. “Nobody has the right to tint his or her vehicle.”
The Commissioner also stated that the police were focusing on both commercial and private vehicles. This includes the widespread commercial transport sector, which has seen an increase in the use of tinted windows in recent years.
The crackdown is expected to impact thousands of vehicle owners who have opted for tinted windows for privacy, especially in the face of increasing security threats in urban areas.
Widespread Public Reaction
The police’s decision has sparked mixed reactions from residents and vehicle owners in Abuja. While some have praised the move, citing concerns about the potential for crime, others have expressed frustration over the sudden enforcement.
Many Abuja residents have questioned whether this action is an overreach, especially given the fact that tinted windows have often been associated with protecting privacy and shielding passengers from the harsh sun.
“It feels like an invasion of privacy,” said one resident who preferred to remain anonymous. “We should be allowed to tint our vehicles if we want to. It’s unfair for the police to start targeting people who are not involved in any crime.”
However, other residents agree that the growing insecurity in the FCT warrants such measures.
“I think it’s a good idea,” said another Abuja resident. “The level of insecurity is high, and anything the police can do to reduce it, I support. Tinted glasses only help the criminals.”
Implications for Vehicle Owners in Abuja
For many vehicle owners in Abuja, the crackdown will have direct consequences. Those found driving vehicles with tinted windows could face the risk of having their cars impounded by the police. The authorities are expected to step up inspections, particularly at checkpoints and on major roads across the city.
CP Disu has urged residents to comply with the regulations and to refrain from installing tinted windows in their vehicles. He emphasized that the police will not hesitate to take action against anyone found violating the law.
