The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has defended its decision to impound vehicles with tinted glass permits ahead of the nationwide enforcement date set by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), citing security concerns.
Director of Security, Adamu Gwary, represented by Dr. Peter Olumuji of the Command and Control Unit, said many of the permits in circulation were forged and often linked to crimes such as “one-chance” robberies.
“People say enforcement begins in October 2025, but criminals are already exploiting fake permits to operate freely. Anyone who forges a permit could easily use it for crime. Abuja cannot afford to wait,” Olumuji explained during the ongoing Citywide Sanitation Operation.
As part of the same exercise, the FCTA also demolished over 1,000 makeshift structures in Bunkoro District, near Mab Global Estate, Gwarinpa. Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, said the clearance was necessary to restore order and enhance security along the Ring Road 3 corridor.
According to him, while indigenous settlements were left untouched pending consultations, other illegal shanties had to go, as they harboured squatters and people of questionable character. He added that the cleared stretch falls within the alignment of the N16 road project, stressing that encroachments would not be allowed to return.
Both officials assured residents that the combined enforcement and demolition exercise would continue across the capital to safeguard lives, improve city aesthetics, and eliminate criminal hideouts.
