FCTA Explains Why Vehicles with Fake Tinted Glass Permits Are Being Impounded Ahead of IGP’s October Deadline
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has defended its decision to impound vehicles using fake tinted-glass permits, even before the nationwide enforcement deadline set by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in October. Authorities say that forgery of permit documents has become a growing security concern in Abuja.
During a citywide stop-and-search operation under the ongoing Operation Sweep Abuja Clean, Adamu Gwary, Director of Security in the FCTA’s Security Services, explained that criminals exploit fake tinted-glass permits to shield illegal activities. He emphasized that while the IGP has mandated enforcement begin in October 2025, the FCT cannot delay action when those false documents are facilitating crime on its streets. Gwary spoke through Dr. Peter Olumuji, Director of the Command and Control Unit.
Statistics from the operation reveal that more than 700 vehicles were impounded during the first and second phases of enforcement. These cars featured one or more violations, illicitly tinted glass without permits, fake number plates, or mismatch in registration records. Gwary stated that intelligence gathered from victims of so-called “one-chance” taxi robberies frequently indicates that perpetrators used vehicles with heavily tinted windows to evade detection.
Complementing these efforts, Dr. Peter Olumuji confirmed the removal of stolen vehicles during the enforcement. Seven such cars were recovered within one week, underscoring the operation’s success in disrupting criminal networks.
The Director of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), Mrs. Deborah Osho, explained that many impounded vehicles were operating without proper registration or with counterfeit number plates, such as plates belonging to one vehicle type misapplied to another. She also cited unpainted taxis and unregistered vehicles as frequent tools for crime, calling for public cooperation in restoring traffic order.
The FCTA has emphasized that these actions are not punitive but necessary for safety and compliance. The administration considers that individuals using tinted glass have no valid reason to do so, especially when it undermines visibility and security. Furthermore, Gwary assured residents that despite the inconvenience, the stop-and-search strategy has already significantly reduced the “one-chance” robbery rate and will continue until stability returns to Abuja roads.
This crackdown aligns with broader security policy reform in the capital. The lifting of tinted-glass permit restrictions earlier in the year notwithstanding, law enforcement continues to deem unauthorized tinting illegal, a position reiterated by the Nigeria Police Force several months ago.
