As the Nigeria Police Force begins nationwide enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit, the Borno State Police Command has raised alarm over the increasing use of tinted vehicles by criminals to evade detection.
In a statement released on Saturday, October 4, Command spokesperson ASP Nahum Daso said crime data has consistently shown that tinted windows are being exploited by armed robbers, kidnappers, drug traffickers, and terrorists.
“Through our Crime Frequency Data, evidence has shown that tinted vehicles have frequently been used to conceal or facilitate serious crimes,” Daso said. “Criminals take advantage of dark glass to hide their identities or illicit items, making detection and intervention more difficult.”
He cited recent examples, including the April 2, 2024 murder of a University of Maiduguri lecturer. Though CCTV captured the suspects’ vehicle, their identities remained hidden due to heavily tinted windows, delaying the investigation. In another incident on September 26, 2025, three children tragically suffocated inside a locked, dark-tinted car—unable to be seen by passersby in time to save them.
Daso emphasized that while regulation is necessary for public safety, the policy is not a blanket ban.
“Contrary to misperceptions, the Police are not banning all tinted vehicles. Exemptions exist for factory-fitted tints, verified VIPs, and individuals with medical conditions such as photophobia,” he clarified.
Vehicle owners with tinted windows are now required to register and obtain digital permits. The system captures biometric data, National Identification Numbers (NIN), and vehicle information to create a verifiable database.
“This strengthens investigations. When a tinted vehicle is linked to a crime, authorities can trace the owner swiftly,” Daso explained.
He reassured the public that the permit system is not designed to harass citizens but to improve accountability and security. Officers have been directed to act professionally and respect citizens’ rights during enforcement, with unprofessional conduct to be reported via the Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU).
“The reality is simple: tinted vehicles without proper accountability undermine security,” he said. “The tragic cases in Maiduguri and across the country show that unchecked use of tinted glass can cost lives.”
