By Uzair Adam
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has warned motorists that possessing a permit for tinted vehicle windows will not shield them from arrest as authorities intensify enforcement against the use of heavily tinted vehicles across Abuja.
FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, issued the warning while speaking in a video shared by the command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, on X.
According to Sanusi, the command has adopted a strict approach to the enforcement exercise, stressing that officers will not differentiate between drivers with tint permits and those without.
“There is a total ban on the usage of tinted vehicles. We are not looking at whether you have a tinted permit or not. If we find you with a tinted vehicle, you will be arrested,” he said.
The police chief explained that criminals frequently use tinted vehicles to conceal their identities and facilitate crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, drug trafficking and other unlawful activities.
He added that even motorists who present valid permits would be subjected to investigations to determine whether they were genuinely qualified to obtain such approvals.
“Even if you show us a permit, we will investigate whether you qualified to apply for it in the first place,” Sanusi stated.
The commissioner noted that some criminal elements may obtain permits and use them as a cover for illegal operations, adding that the command would not allow such practices to continue.
“We will not allow criminals to hide behind tinted permits while committing offences such as kidnapping and the transportation of drugs, arms and ammunition,” he said.
Addressing claims by some motorists that they require tinted vehicles for medical reasons, Sanusi said such exemptions must be supported by verifiable medical evidence.
“If you provide medical reports recommending the use of such a vehicle, we will verify them with the issuing hospital. What we need is evidence,” he said.
Sanusi also distinguished between factory-fitted tints and heavily darkened aftermarket modifications, noting that many factory-installed tints still allow visibility into a vehicle’s interior.
He maintained that deeply tinted vehicles have featured prominently in several criminal investigations handled by the command, including kidnapping and one-chance cases.
“People have been transported in tinted vehicles without attracting attention. That is why we have decided to act. We will go after all tinted vehicles equally, regardless of whether the owner has a permit or not,” he said.
The renewed crackdown is part of the police command’s ongoing campaign against tinted vehicles, covered number plates and unregistered vehicles, which authorities say are commonly used to aid criminal activities and hinder investigations.
Residents and motorists have been urged to comply with the regulations or face sanctions, including arrest, prosecution and the impoundment of affected vehicles.
