Security Concerns Behind Push Against Fully Tinted Cars, Says IGP Disu

Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has revealed that the Nigeria Police Force is moving toward stricter enforcement against fully tinted vehicles, citing their frequent use in criminal activities.

Disu made the remarks in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Bar Association led by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN).

The police chief said Nigeria’s current security challenges make unrestricted use of heavily tinted vehicles unacceptable.

“On the issue of tinted glass, I have a different view about it entirely because we have a security situation in the country now,” he said.

Drawing from his experience as former FCT Commissioner of Police, Disu noted that nearly all vehicles seized from suspected “one chance” operators were tinted.

“We recovered 27 vehicles used by ‘one chance’ operators and out of the number, 26 were tinted vehicles,” he stated.

According to him, criminals often exploit tinted windows to conceal their identities and activities, making it difficult for security personnel to detect threats. He added that some motorists now tint even their windscreens, creating dangers for officers manning checkpoints.

Disu emphasized that the law only allows tinted glass permits for security and medical purposes and warned that excessively dark tints would not be tolerated.

He also urged Nigerians to avoid actions that could demoralize police officers, including unnecessary video recordings of personnel carrying out their duties.

“Police officers have rights as well, and we are ready to enforce our rights,” he said.

The IGP further clarified that women are eligible to stand as sureties for suspects and said the police were unaware of any legal requirement that a surety must be a Level 14 civil servant.

In his remarks, NBA President Afam Osigwe said the association supported reasonable regulation of tinted vehicles but objected to any system that turns permit approvals into a commercial venture.

“We think that if you have processed it once, it should not be a money-generating thing,” Osigwe said.

He maintained that only tints that still allow visibility of drivers and passengers should be permitted, adding that the police, legal profession and courts must work together to strengthen security and justice in the country.

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