THE Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has declared that he would implement a total nationwide ban on tinted vehicles if he had the sole authority to do so.

Disu stated that heavily tinted windows pose severe security risks, serving as operational tools for kidnappers, armed robbers, and "one-chance" criminal syndicates.

The police boss spoke in Abuja in response to concerns raised by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), regarding the management of tinted glass permits.

NBA kicks against fees

While supporting police oversight, Osigwe strongly opposed turning the permit process into a commercial, revenue-generating venture.

The NBA president questioned the necessity of periodic renewals, arguing that vehicle details only need to be captured once in a central database.

He also condemned outsourcing permit administration to private entities for fee collection.

Osigwe, however, clarified that the NBA fully backs enforcement against vehicles that completely conceal occupants from security agencies.

Rising security threats

Rejecting the NBA`s stance on renewals, the IGP cited the country`s prevailing security challenges as justification for strict measures.

"I have a different view about it entirely. We have a security situation in the country now. If I have my way, there would be no vehicle that would be tinted in the country," Disu stated.

Drawing from his tenure as Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Disu revealed that investigations into "one-chance" syndicates showed a direct link to tinted cars.

He noted that out of 27 vehicles recently impounded from criminal syndicates, the vast majority had heavily darkened windows.

Impending nationwide crackdown

The IGP criticized the growing trend of tinting windscreens and rear windows, calling it a direct threat to the lives of officers during stop-and-search operations.

He reiterated that only individuals with verifiable medical or security justifications are legally permitted to use tints, which must still maintain baseline visibility.

Disu warned that the Nigeria Police Force will soon launch a massive, nationwide enforcement campaign to clear illegally tinted vehicles off the roads.