The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced its intention to crack down on vehicles equipped with unauthorized tinted glasses, citing their connection to the surge in kidnappings and crimes across the country.
According to Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi, criminal elements frequently utilize vehicles with unauthorized tinted glasses for their illicit operations, making it imperative to address this issue.
Adejobi emphasized the correlation between violent crimes, especially those involving vehicles, and the prevalence of unauthorized tinted glasses. He highlighted the significance of mobility in criminal activities such as kidnapping, noting that tinted vehicles, whether cars, bikes, or tricycles, play a crucial role.
During an appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Adejobi explained the necessity of clamping down on the use of tinted glasses to curb criminal activities.
He stated, “You can’t have kidnapping, you can’t have some of these incidences without being mobile, either the use of vehicles, bikes or tricycles, and most of the vehicles they use now are tinted, and that is why we want to clamp down on the use of tinted glasses.”
Adejobi further addressed the issue of unregistered vehicles, branding their use as criminal. He issued a warning against individuals covering their vehicle registration plates (number plates) and urged them to refrain from such practices.
The police spokesperson revealed that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, recently convened a meeting with experts to explore ways to review the issuance of tinted permits for vehicles.
Adejobi clarified that obtaining a tinted permit is not automatic, emphasizing that even when importing a vehicle, all tinted glasses must be removed. He stressed that dealers should not sell vehicles with tinted glasses, whether factory-fitted or aftermarket.
While maintaining a strict stance on unauthorized tinted glasses, Adejobi mentioned exceptions for certain individuals. He noted that very important personalities (VIPs) and those with defective eyesight may be considered for the use of vehicles with tinted glasses, suggesting a nuanced approach to the enforcement of the regulation.
