IGP Disu Signals Crackdown On Fully Tinted Vehicles, Cites Security Threats

Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has declared that fully tinted vehicles may soon face stricter enforcement across Nigeria, arguing that such vehicles pose serious security risks.

Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by a delegation of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) led by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), the police chief said he would prefer a complete ban on heavily tinted vehicles.

“If I have my way, tinted vehicles will not be allowed on Nigerian roads, and we are moving towards it,” Disu said.

According to him, investigations into criminal activities in the Federal Capital Territory revealed a strong connection between tinted vehicles and crime. He recalled that during operations against “one chance” syndicates while serving as FCT Commissioner of Police, authorities recovered 27 vehicles, 26 of which had tinted windows.

“We got the idea that kidnappers, one chance operators and other criminals were tinting their vehicles deliberately for criminal activities,” he said.

Disu expressed concern over the growing trend of motorists tinting windscreens and rear windows so heavily that occupants cannot be identified. He warned that such practices endanger police officers and other security personnel at checkpoints.

The IGP stressed that Nigerian law permits tinted windows only for security and medical reasons and noted that even then, the tint should not obstruct visibility.

“It is not acceptable for you to fully tint your glasses because the only two reasons vehicles were permitted to be tinted according to the law are for security and medical reasons,” he stated.

The police chief also cautioned against indiscriminate video recording of officers on duty, saying it could undermine morale at a time when security personnel are facing significant challenges.

On bail procedures, Disu clarified that women can serve as sureties and dismissed claims that a surety must be a Level 14 public servant.

Earlier, NBA President Afam Osigwe said the association supported efforts to regulate tinted vehicles but opposed turning permit approvals into a revenue-generating scheme.

“We have nothing against going against vehicles that have tints to the extent that you cannot see the drivers or the occupants of the vehicle,” Osigwe said.

He called for stronger collaboration among the police, lawyers and the judiciary to improve public confidence in Nigeria’s justice and security institutions.