Crackdown in FCT: Hundreds of vehicles impounded for illegal tints, fake plates

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has impounded over 700 vehicles in a sweeping crackdown targeting vehicles with illegal tinted windows, fake number plates, and other traffic violations across Abuja.

The operation, part of the second phase of Operation Sweep Abuja Clean, was disclosed during a late-night stop-and-search exercise on Monday around the Apo-Wassa Junction and Karu axis.

Director of FCTA’s Department of Security Services, Adamu Gwary—represented by Dr. Peter Olumuji, Secretary of the Command and Control Centre—said the initiative has already led to the recovery of seven stolen vehicles within just one week.

Olumuji explained that the effort is aimed at flushing out criminals, particularly those behind the rising wave of “one-chance” taxi robberies in the city.

“Investigations show that most of the vehicles used by these criminals are either unregistered, illegally tinted, or carry fake number plates. There’s no justification for taxi operators or private motorists to use tinted glass, which serves only to shield criminal activity,” he said.

He noted that the large-scale impoundments have sent a strong warning to criminal elements operating in the FCT, with a noticeable drop in “one-chance” incidents since the operation began.

While acknowledging the inconvenience to some motorists, Olumuji appealed for public patience and cooperation, assuring residents that the ongoing security checks are intended to safeguard lives and property.

Also speaking, Mrs. Deborah Osho, Head of Operations at the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), said the joint task force—which includes police and other security agencies—has intensified efforts to identify and remove unregistered taxis and vehicles with mismatched registration details.

“We’ve seen cases where a plate registered to a Peugeot was found on a Toyota Corolla. Many of these vehicles operate as unpainted taxis or drive against traffic. These are serious red flags,” she said.

Osho added that the widespread vehicle impoundments, particularly in Karu, underscore the administration’s resolve to make Abuja increasingly hostile for criminal operators.

Both officials emphasized that Operation Sweep Abuja Clean will continue across the capital and its satellite towns until order is fully restored on the roads.