By PPraise Chinecherem

The Anambra State Police Command has appealed for calm and cooperation from residents amid the ongoing impoundment of vehicles with tinted windows, insisting that the operation is a security measure aimed at combating crime—not an attempt to inconvenience law-abiding motorists.

The clarification comes amid growing concerns from motorists over the seizure of vehicles fitted with tinted glass, including some whose owners reportedly possess tinted glass permits.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the enforcement exercise is part of a broader security strategy designed to strengthen public safety across the state.

According to him, the operation targets not only vehicles with tinted windows but also unregistered vehicles and those with concealed, covered or defaced number plates, which he said are frequently exploited by criminal elements.

“The Command wishes to clarify that the ongoing impounding of vehicles with tinted glasses, whether or not the owners present tinted glass permits, as well as unregistered vehicles and vehicles with concealed, covered, or defaced number plates, is part of a security-driven enforcement exercise,” Ikenga stated.

He explained that the exercise is intended to verify the authenticity of tinted glass permits, detect forged or fraudulently obtained permits, ensure compliance with vehicle registration laws and prevent criminals from using such vehicles to evade identification.

“The exercise is aimed at verifying the authenticity of tinted glass permits, identifying forged or fraudulently obtained permits, ensuring due process, enforcing compliance with vehicle registration and number plate regulations, and preventing criminal elements from exploiting such violations to evade identification and perpetrate crime,” he added.

The police spokesperson noted that the operation became necessary in response to prevailing security challenges and intelligence indicating that some criminals use tinted vehicles and obscured number plates to conceal their identities and frustrate law enforcement efforts.

While acknowledging that the exercise may temporarily inconvenience residents, the Command urged members of the public to remain patient and cooperative.

“The Command regrets the inconvenience this may cause to law-abiding residents and seeks their understanding, patience and continued cooperation. The exercise is being conducted in the interest of safeguarding lives, protecting property and enhancing public safety across Anambra State.”

The police reassured residents that the enforcement drive is not targeted at genuine vehicle owners but is intended to strengthen security and ensure strict compliance with existing laws governing vehicle registration and tinted glass permits.

What do you think?

• Do you support the police’s decision to impound all tinted vehicles for verification, even when drivers present valid permits?
• Should vehicle owners be required to undergo fresh verification of tinted glass permits in the interest of security?
• Is the ongoing enforcement likely to improve security in Anambra, or does it place an unnecessary burden on law-abiding citizens?

Share your views respectfully in the comments.