The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has impounded more than 30 vehicles in Abuja for violations including the use of tinted windows, obscured number plates, and improper registration, as it commenced enforcement of restrictions on tinted vehicles across the territory.

Addressing journalists on Friday, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, said the operation was aimed at addressing the increasing use of such vehicles by criminal elements involved in offences such as “one-chance” robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes within the FCT.

Sanusi said the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, had authorized the command to begin strict enforcement of the regulations prohibiting the use of tinted glasses and related traffic violations.

According to him, intelligence reports indicate that criminal groups deliberately use tinted vehicles and concealed number plates to disguise 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,” he said. “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 commissioner explained that the exercise followed directives for the strict implementation of existing regulations prohibiting tinted glass and other traffic infractions that could facilitate criminal activities.

He added that the command had launched a comprehensive operation targeting vehicles found to be in violation of the rules.

“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,” he said.

Sanusi disclosed that more than 30 vehicles had already been impounded during the ongoing enforcement exercise.

“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 stated.

He warned that owners and operators of the affected vehicles would be prosecuted in accordance with applicable laws, including the Federal Republic of Nigeria statutes 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 added.

Sanusi reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and proactive crime prevention, urging residents to support the enforcement efforts by complying with traffic regulations and reporting suspicious activities.