IGP orders retrieval of SPY number plates, Says all existing vehicle tinted glass permit valid

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Baba has directed the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police (CPs) to ensure all SPY number plates in use by unauthorised users or fitted to unauthorised vehicles are retrieved forthwith.

The IGP stated 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 its issuance and usage in the country.

Baba also affirmed all existing vehicle tinted glass permits, duly issued by the Police remain valid.

The clarification, the IGP said, is coming on the heels of public enquiries following the announcement of suspension of issuance of new tinted permits during a meeting with Senior Police Officers at the Force Headquarters, Abuja last Monday.

He said the suspension, which is a temporary measure, will 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.

The IGP noted 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.

Baba said the development is in addition to, among other things, effectively address 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.

According to a statement on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba, the IGP has directed Commissioners of Police (CPs) in the thirty-six (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 as contained above.

The IGP 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.

Baba enjoined members of the public to cooperate with the Police in this regard as the moves are aimed at strengthening the internal security order.