Nigeria’s police authorities have confirmed plans to resume nationwide enforcement of regulations governing tinted vehicle windows, citing mounting security threats and public safety risks as the justification for the move.
According to the Nigeria Police Force, the renewed action is designed to close gaps increasingly exploited by criminal networks using heavily tinted vehicles to evade identification and law enforcement scrutiny.
Explaining the rationale, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the policy review followed an internal security assessment that revealed growing misuse of unauthorised tinted glass.
He stressed that no court order has ever barred the police from enforcing the law on tinted vehicles.
“Contrary to some claims, enforcement was not stopped by any judicial decision,” Hundeyin said.
“Rather, the pause was a deliberate administrative step to give motorists time to regularise their permits without unnecessary pressure.”
However, recent intelligence reports, according to the police, indicate that vehicles with illegally tinted glass have featured prominently in cases of kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes.
Consequently, authorities now consider the situation too risky to ignore.
“As criminals continue to hide behind darkened windows, decisive action has become unavoidable,” Hundeyin added.
“Resuming enforcement is about restoring accountability on the roads and protecting innocent citizens.”
Following this development, enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy will officially resume on January 2, 2026, across all states of the federation.
Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, assured motorists that the exercise would be conducted within the bounds of the law.
He said officers have been instructed to act with restraint, professionalism and respect for fundamental rights.
“Our goal is not to harass road users but to strengthen national security,” Egbetokun said.
“Public cooperation will remain critical as we implement this policy responsibly.”
Motorists who legitimately require tinted glass for medical or security reasons have been advised to apply through approved channels and ensure full compliance before the enforcement date.
Furthermore, the police reiterated their commitment to collaborating with stakeholders and the general public to sustain peace, reduce crime and improve overall road safety nationwide.