Police Blames Rising Insecurity On Tinted Glass, To Resume Enforcement Jan 2nd

By Jonathan Ugbal

The Nigerian Police Force says it will resume enforcing its tinted glass policy on January 2, 2026, a statement issued by its spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin on Monday says.

Mr. Hundeyin, a Chief Superintendent of Police in his statement says the decision “follows a careful review of emerging security concerns and the need to ensure the safety of all citizens.”

The resumption of the enforcement is also, “pending the final determination of the matter currently before the court.”

Recall that the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA through its Section on Public Interest and Development Law, SPIDEL instituted a suit commenced via a Motion on Notice at the Federal High Court in Delta State where it said the Police has no constitutional basis to impose fees or annual renewals on motorists.

The Force had in October, begun implementing what it said was in line with the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 1991.

However, following a meeting between the Police and NBA leadership, the enforcement was suspended on October 9th, a statement by Mr. Hundeyin read at the time, adding that it was to “give room for the outcome of the hearing of the Motion on Notice slated for 16 October at a Federal High Court in Delta State.”

But, Mr. Hundeyin now says, “It is important to clarify that at no point did the court restrain the Nigeria Police Force from enforcing the provisions of the law regarding the use of tinted glass on vehicles.”

The Police said although no Court ever restrained it from pursuing the enforcement, it will proceed with it despite the pending suit due to rising insecurity.

The Police pointed out that the earlier suspension was “in the spirit of responsibility, transparency, and public convenience,” to allow “motorists ample opportunity to regularise their documentation and complete the registration process without pressure.”

The announcement comes amidst mounting calls for the investigation of a reported killer squad, nicknamed Tiger Base in Owerri, Imo State.

But, the statement says the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ” assures the public that the renewed enforcement will be carried out with utmost professionalism, respect for the rights of citizens, and in accordance with extant laws.”

Furthermore, the Police claimed that recent trends, ” reveal a disturbing rise in criminal activities perpetrated with the aid of vehicles fitted with unauthorised tinted glass.”

It added that, “some individuals and organised criminal groups have exploited this gap to conceal their identities and facilitate crimes ranging from armed robbery to kidnapping and other violent crimes.

“In view of this, the Nigeria Police Force has found it both necessary and urgent to resume full enforcement as a proactive measure to safeguard our communities. Consequently, enforcement of Tinted Glass Permit will resume on 2nd January, 2026.”