•Directs retrieval of SPY number plates from unauthorised users
Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali, has said that all existing vehicle tinted glass permits, duly issued by the Nigeria Police Force, remain valid.
The clarification is coming on the heels of public enquiries following the announcement of the suspension of issuance of new tinted permits by the IGP during a meeting with senior police officers at the Force Headquarters, Abuja on Monday, June 7, 2021.
Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba, who spoke on the clarification on Wednesday, June 9, remarked that the suspension, which would be a temporary measure, would remain in force, pending the release of a new protocol that would regulate the issuance of tinted permits for vehicle owners and operators in the country.
According to Mba, “the IGP noted that the move is part of efforts to streamline the process of issuance and usage, in line with the provisions of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act which is explicit on conditions for the use of vehicles with tinted glasses in Nigeria.
“This is in addition to, among other things, effectively addressing contemporary security challenges associated with the usage of tinted glasses by criminal elements who hide under the cover of tinted vehicles to carry out their nefarious activities.”
Similarly, the IGP stated that existing SPY number plates must be used by authorised users for purposes and vehicles specified by law, while issuance of new SPY number plates remain on hold pending the release of a new protocol that would guide it and the usage in the country.
The Police Chief also directed Commissioners of Police (CPs) in the 36) states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as their supervisory Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs), to give full effect to the directives.
The IGP specifically directed the AIGs and CPs to ensure that all SPY number plates currently in use by unauthorised users or affixed to unauthorised vehicles, are retrieved.
Alkali however warned that while carrying out these assignments, officers must ensure the rights and privileges of citizens are respected in line with the laws of the land and in accordance with international best practices.
Members of the public were enjoined to cooperate with the police, as the moves were aimed at strengthening internal security order.
