One-Chance Crimes: FCT police target illegal tinted vehicles, concealed plates

The Nigeria Police Force has commenced a comprehensive enforcement operation against vehicles operating with illegal tinted glass, concealed number plates and improper registration within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday.

According to him, the operation was prompted by the growing use of vehicles with tinted windows, covered number plates and invalid registration details in the commission of crimes across the territory.

Sanusi said intelligence reports indicated that such vehicles are frequently used in “one-chance” robberies, kidnappings and other criminal activities because they allow perpetrators to conceal their identities and evade detection.

“This poses a serious threat to public safety,” the police commissioner said.

“Consequently, the Police Command in the FCT has commenced a comprehensive enforcement operation targeting vehicles operating in violation of these regulations.”

He clarified that the exercise is not aimed at inconveniencing law-abiding motorists who have legitimately obtained approval for tinted glass on their vehicles.

According to him, the primary objective is to deny criminals the cover they exploit to perpetrate crimes against residents of the FCT.

Sanusi revealed that more than 30 vehicles operating with illegal tinted glass, concealed number plates or without proper registration had already been impounded since the commencement of the operation.

He added that owners and operators of the affected vehicles would be prosecuted in line with relevant federal laws and the FCT Road Transport Regulations 2023.

The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and proactive crime prevention measures aimed at safeguarding lives and property across the nation’s capital.

He also appealed to residents to cooperate with security agencies by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious persons, vehicles or activities through the nearest police station or the command’s emergency lines.

The enforcement exercise forms part of ongoing efforts by the FCT Police Command to strengthen public safety and curb criminal activities within Abuja and its surrounding communities.