Police Launch Crackdown on Tinted Glass Vehicles in Niger State

Police officers were seen stopping vehicles with tinted glasses at strategic points in the state capital to verify compliance with the law.

The Niger State Police Command has commenced the enforcement of tinted glass permits across the state, with officers mounting checkpoints at major locations in Minna to ensure motorists comply with regulations.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Elleman, personally supervised the operation, moving across divisions to monitor the process and interact with officers deployed for the assignment.

Compliance Checks in Minna

During Thursday’s exercise, police teams flagged down vehicles with tinted windows, requesting drivers to present valid permits authorising their use. Those unable to provide documentation were warned of the consequences, with CP Elleman stressing that enforcement was not intended to harass motorists but to strengthen public safety.

The police boss, who expressed satisfaction with the initial level of compliance, urged officers to maintain professionalism and courtesy while carrying out their duties. He noted that the law guiding tinted glass use had been in place since 2004 but had often been flouted by motorists who took advantage of weak enforcement.

According to him, criminals have historically exploited tinted windows to conceal their identities while perpetrating crimes, making regulation a matter of national security. “This is not a punitive action but a preventive measure,” he said, warning that vehicles found in violation would be impounded and their owners prosecuted.

Lawmaker Praises Initiative

The exercise drew attention when Abu Adamu Gomna, a member of the Niger State House of Assembly representing Bosso Constituency, was stopped at one of the checkpoints. Like other motorists, the lawmaker was asked to present his tinted glass permit, which he promptly displayed.

Addressing journalists afterward, Gomna commended CP Elleman for leading from the front in what he described as a much-needed initiative. “Even as a lawmaker, I made sure to obtain my permit from the Force Headquarters, and I carry it with me at all times. I am impressed to see that enforcement applies to everyone equally,” he said.

The legislator noted that being subjected to the same checks as ordinary citizens increased his confidence in the Nigerian Police, adding that such fairness would encourage wider compliance. “This shows leadership. When people see that no one is above the law, they are more likely to abide by it,” he remarked.

Public Appeal

While praising motorists who had already complied, CP Elleman appealed to those yet to obtain permits to do so without delay, warning that ignorance of the law would not shield offenders from sanctions. He emphasised that the command was committed to balancing strict enforcement with respect for citizens’ rights.

He further assured residents that the initiative was part of broader efforts to curb crime and strengthen community security. “We ask for continued cooperation from members of the public. Our mandate is to ensure the safety of lives and property, and this is one of the steps we must take to achieve it,” he said.

Motorists interviewed during the exercise expressed mixed reactions. Some welcomed the enforcement as necessary for security, while others complained about the bureaucratic process of obtaining permits from Abuja.

Despite such concerns, the overall atmosphere in Minna suggested readiness to adapt, with many vehicle owners pledging to regularise their documents in the coming days.

The Niger State Police Command reiterated that enforcement would continue across the state, with checkpoints expected to remain active in the weeks ahead.

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