By our correspondent
The Nigeria Police Force has announced that beginning October 2, 2025, it will launch a nationwide crackdown on unauthorized tinted vehicle glasses, a move aimed at strengthening internal security and curbing the rising wave of crimes committed under the cover of darkened windows.
In a statement issued from the Force Headquarters, the police disclosed that all Commands and Formations have been directed to commence strict enforcement of the tinted glass permit regime. The Force said motorists found operating vehicles with tinted glasses without valid authorization will face immediate arrest, prosecution, and possible forfeiture of their vehicles.
Why the Crackdown Now?
The police explained that tinted vehicles have, over the years, posed a serious challenge to security operations, with criminals exploiting them to conceal weapons, transport kidnap victims, or evade detection at checkpoints.
“This is not a witch-hunt against law-abiding Nigerians,” a senior police official stated. “It is a security necessity. We must balance individual rights with national safety. Tinted glasses without permits have too often become tools for banditry, terrorism, and organized crime.”
What Motorists Must Do
Motorists are urged to approach designated police offices to regularize their permits before the October 2 deadline. The Force clarified that permits will be issued only to applicants who can provide legitimate reasons for the use of tinted glasses, such as medical or factory specifications.
Failure to comply, the police warned, will attract stiff penalties, including fines, seizure of vehicles, and prosecution in mobile courts.
This is not the first time the police have announced enforcement of tinted glass regulations. Past attempts in 2012 and 2021 faced challenges ranging from logistical bottlenecks to allegations of extortion by officers on the highways.
Security experts, however, say this renewed effort is coming at a time when Nigeria is grappling with heightened insecurity, making it a potentially more impactful intervention.
Public Reactions: Security vs. Harassment Concerns
While many Nigerians have welcomed the policy as a step toward safer roads, others remain skeptical.
A commercial driver in Abuja told our correspondent: “We support security measures, but our fear is how some officers may use this as an excuse to extort drivers.”
Civil rights groups have also urged the police to combine enforcement with robust monitoring of officers to prevent abuse of power.
With banditry, kidnappings, and violent crimes threatening communities across Nigeria, the police are under pressure to demonstrate effectiveness and rebuild public trust. Analysts say the tinted glass enforcement is part of a broader strategy that includes intelligence-led operations, technological surveillance, and community policing.
As the October 2 deadline approaches, Nigerians are bracing for what could be a defining test of the Police Force’s ability to enforce laws fairly and effectively—without slipping back into the old patterns of harassment that have often marred such operations.
PIONEER NEWS 