The Borno State Police Command has warned that armed robbers, kidnappers, drug traffickers, and terrorists often exploit tinted vehicles to conceal their identities and carry out crimes.

The warning came from the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday. He said the discovery was made through Crime Frequency Data, which highlights the urgent need to regulate vehicles with tinted glasses across Nigeria.

“Through our Crime Frequency Data, evidence has shown that tinted vehicles have frequently been used to conceal or facilitate serious crimes. Armed robbers, kidnappers, drug traffickers, and terrorists have all taken advantage of translucent glass to hide their identities or illicit objects,” Daso said.

He cited recent cases to illustrate the risks posed by darkened windows.

“One stark example is the murder of a University of Maiduguri lecturer on April 2, 2024. After assailants whisked away his vehicle, investigators turned to CCTV footage. The car was visible, but the suspects’ faces were impossible to identify because the windows were heavily tinted, delaying justice at a critical stage,” he explained.

Another tragic incident occurred on September 26, 2025, when three children died inside a dark-tinted vehicle after accidentally locking themselves in. Passersby could not see them through the glass in time to intervene.

Daso emphasized that regulating tinted glass is crucial to balancing public security with individual needs.

“Beyond these, countless cases link tinted vehicles to kidnappings, contraband movement, and armed robbery operations. Criminals exploit the anonymity that dark glass provides. Failing to regulate it leaves law enforcement handicapped and the public vulnerable,” he said.

He clarified that not all vehicles will be affected. Exemptions include factory-fitted tinted windows, certain VIPs, and individuals with medical conditions such as photophobia.

“Contrary to misperceptions, the Police are not imposing a blanket ban on tinted vehicles. Legitimate exemptions exist,” he added.

The regulation will require owners of tinted vehicles to register and obtain permits.

“This digital process captures biometric information, NIN, and full vehicle details, creating a verifiable database that strengthens investigations. When a tinted vehicle is linked to a crime, authorities can trace its owner swiftly,” Daso stated.

He reassured the public that the initiative will be corruption-free and devoid of exploitation.

“The reality is simple: tinted vehicles without proper accountability undermine security. The tragic cases of Maiduguri, alongside countless other incidents nationwide, prove that failure to regulate tinted glass can cost lives,” he said.

“The Nigeria Police Force has made its position clear: officers must act professionally, respect citizens’ rights, and avoid exploitation. Commands have been directed to enforce accountability mechanisms, and citizens are encouraged to report unprofessional conduct through the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) for prompt action,” he added.

Earlier, the Nigeria Police Force had said it had yet to be served with the order of the Federal High Court stopping the enforcement of tinted-glass permits.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this on Saturday while reacting to reports that the court had restrained the police from arresting or prosecuting motorists over tinted glasses.

All vehicles with aftermarket tinted glass must have a valid tinted glass permit. The Nigerian Police have commenced strict nationwide enforcement of this requirement as of October 2, 2025. Vehicles without valid tinted permits risk fines and impoundment. (The PUNCH)

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