ABUJA — The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has officially announced a nationwide suspension of the enforcement of the digital tinted glass permit policy, originally slated to begin in early 2026.
The suspension, confirmed by Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Monday, January 26, 2026, is in direct compliance with an interim court order issued by the Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State. The court, in Suit No: HOR/FHR/M/31/2025, directed the police to maintain the “status quo” pending the determination of a legal challenge brought against the policy.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, had initially reintroduced the permits as a strategic security measure to curb the rising cases of kidnapping and urban crime involving vehicles with heavily tinted windows. However, the move was met with immediate resistance from civil society activists and legal professionals, who argued that the reintroduction of the permit system was an unnecessary bureaucratic burden on citizens.
“The Nigeria Police Force is a law-abiding institution,” Adejobi stated. “In view of the interim order granted on December 17, 2025, and subsequent proceedings, we have directed all commands and formations to halt enforcement until the legal issues are fully resolved in court.”
The legal battle, spearheaded by activist Israel Joe, asserts that the police lack the constitutional authority to impose new permit requirements outside of existing traffic laws. The NPF has already filed a preliminary objection and is seeking to have the injunction vacated, arguing that the policy is essential for national security.
As of Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the matter has been adjourned to February 23, 2026, for further hearing. Motorists are advised that while enforcement is currently on hold, the police continue to encourage the voluntary registration of tinted vehicles on the NPF digital portal to assist in the ongoing efforts to secure the nation’s highways.
