Borno Police Warn Against Criminal Exploitation of Tinted Vehicles
The Borno State Police Command has cautioned that armed robbers, kidnappers, drug traffickers, and terrorists are increasingly exploiting tinted vehicles to conceal their identities and commit crimes.
The warning was issued in a statement on Saturday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, who said the discovery was made through Crime Frequency Data analysis.
“Evidence has shown that tinted vehicles have frequently been used to conceal or facilitate serious crimes. Armed robbers, kidnappers, drug traffickers, and terrorists have all taken advantage of translucent glass to hide their identities or illicit objects,” Daso stated.
He cited specific incidents to illustrate the risks.
“One stark example is the murder of a University of Maiduguri lecturer on April 2, 2024. Investigators had CCTV footage of the assailants’ vehicle, but their heavily tinted windows made it impossible to identify the suspects at a crucial stage,” he said.
He also recalled the September 26, 2025, tragedy in which three children died after locking themselves inside a dark-tinted vehicle. Passersby could not see them through the glass in time to intervene.
Daso stressed that regulating tinted glass is critical for public safety.
“Countless cases link tinted vehicles to kidnappings, contraband movement, and armed robbery.
Criminals exploit the anonymity that dark glass provides. Failing to regulate it leaves law enforcement handicapped and the public vulnerable,” he warned.
He clarified, however, that the regulation is not a blanket ban. Factory-fitted tinted glass, certain VIP vehicles, and individuals with medical conditions such as photophobia are exempted.
Under the policy, vehicle owners with tinted windows must register and obtain a permit through a digital process that captures biometric data, National Identification Number (NIN), and full vehicle details.
“This verifiable database strengthens investigations. When a tinted vehicle is linked to a crime, authorities can trace its owner swiftly,” Daso explained, assuring the public that the process would be corruption-free.
He added that the Nigeria Police Force had directed officers to enforce the rules professionally while respecting citizens’ rights.
Members of the public were encouraged to report misconduct to the Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU).
The clarification follows ongoing public debate after a Federal High Court reportedly restrained the police from arresting or prosecuting motorists over tinted glass permits.
Responding, Force PRO CSP Benjamin Hundeyin said the police had yet to be served with the order.
As of October 2, 2025, the Nigeria Police began strict nationwide enforcement of tinted glass permits. Vehicles without valid permits risk fines and possible impoundment.
