The Nigeria Police Force has commenced strict enforcement of regulations on the use of tinted vehicle glass and unauthorized sirens in Edo and Delta States, warning motorists and road users against flouting the law. The clampdown, which began this week, is part of a nationwide directive aimed at curbing criminal activities often facilitated by vehicles with concealed windows and the abuse of sirens by private individuals.
In Benin City, Edo State capital, and Asaba in Delta, police officers mounted several checkpoints where motorists were stopped and inspected for compliance. Vehicles with tinted glasses not backed by approved permits from the Inspector General of Police were impounded, while drivers using sirens without lawful authorization faced immediate sanctions. The police stressed that only security agencies and emergency services are permitted to use sirens.
State police commands explained that the renewed enforcement follows intelligence reports linking tinted vehicles to rising cases of armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes. According to security officials, criminal elements often exploit tinted glass to evade detection and use sirens illegally to intimidate road users and gain undue access through traffic. The enforcement, they say, is designed to protect lives, restore order on the roads, and strengthen public trust in security operations.
The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer noted that the exercise is not targeted at law-abiding citizens but at curbing misuse, adding that motorists with proper documentation for tinted glass will not be harassed. He also urged residents to cooperate with officers during stop-and-search operations to ensure seamless implementation of the directive.
In Delta, the Command’s spokesperson echoed similar sentiments, stressing that the operation is being carried out in line with federal directives and that no individual is above the law. He warned that any resistance to enforcement would be met with lawful consequences, while also assuring that officers have been instructed to conduct the exercise professionally and without harassment.
Some motorists expressed mixed reactions to the clampdown. While a section of the public welcomed the move as a necessary step to reduce crime, others argued that the police should ensure transparency in issuing permits and avoid using the exercise as an avenue for extortion. Civil society groups have also called for public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the procedures for obtaining legal permits for tinted glass.
With the enforcement now in full swing, the police have reiterated their resolve to sustain the exercise across both states, emphasizing that security cannot be compromised. Authorities maintained that the regulation is not only a crime-prevention tool but also an essential measure to promote safety and discipline on Nigerian roads.
