- The IGP said he would ban heavily tinted vehicles if given the authority
- He linked fully tinted vehicles to kidnapping and other crimes
- Police plan to intensify enforcement against illegal tinted vehicles
Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has expressed support for a nationwide ban on heavily tinted vehicles, saying such vehicles often provide cover for criminal activities.
Speaking in Abuja, Eko Hot Blog gathered that the police chief said that if the decision rested solely with him, he would prohibit the use of tinted vehicles across the country because they pose significant security challenges.
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Disu made the remarks while responding to concerns raised by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), over the renewed enforcement and administration of tinted glass permits.
Osigwe said the NBA supports police regulation of tinted vehicle permits but opposed turning the process into a revenue-generating exercise.
He argued that once a vehicle owner’s information has been properly captured in a central database, there should be no need for repeated permit renewals. He also maintained that the management of the permit system should remain with the police and not be outsourced to private firms collecting fees on the Force’s behalf.
However, Osigwe acknowledged that law enforcement agencies have a legitimate role in taking action against vehicles whose tinted windows completely conceal occupants from public view.
Responding, Disu insisted that current security realities justify stricter controls on tinted vehicles.
According to him, investigations carried out while he served as Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory revealed that many vehicles used by kidnapping gangs, armed robbers and “one chance” syndicates were fitted with heavily tinted windows.
He disclosed that most of the 27 vehicles recovered from criminal groups during that period had dark tints, making it difficult for security operatives to identify those inside.
The Inspector-General also criticised the growing trend of installing extremely dark tint on windscreens and rear windows, describing it as a serious threat to effective policing and public safety.
He explained that such modifications expose security personnel to danger during routine stop-and-search operations because officers cannot clearly see vehicle occupants.
Disu stressed that only individuals with legitimate security or medical reasons are permitted under the law to use tinted glass, and even then, the tint should not completely obstruct visibility.
He warned that the Nigeria Police Force would soon intensify enforcement against vehicles with illegal tinted windows nationwide.
The IGP’s comments come amid ongoing discussions between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Bar Association over the legality, regulation and administration of tinted glass permits.
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