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The Nigeria Police Force has suspended nationwide enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy following an interim court order restraining the move, barely weeks after announcing plans to resume the exercise from January 2, 2026.
The Force confirmed that it was served with an interim order issued on December 17, 2025 in Suit No. HOR/FHR/M/31/2025, which bars it from proceeding with the enforcement pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit or the vacation of the order.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the police said the decision to halt enforcement was taken “strictly in compliance with the subsisting court order”.
“Accordingly, and strictly in compliance with the subsisting court order, the Nigeria Police Force has placed the enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy on hold nationwide, pending the decision of the court,” the statement said.
The development follows an earlier announcement by the Force on December 15, 2025 that it would resume enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy as part of efforts to strengthen public safety and internal security.
Reacting to the legal challenge, the police said it had taken steps to respond within the framework of the law.
“In line with constitutional obligations and respect for judicial authority, the Nigeria Police Force has entered appearance in the matter, raised preliminary objections, and formally applied for the vacation of the interim order,” the statement noted.
The court has since adjourned the case to January 20 for further proceedings.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to the rule of law, stressing that security operations must remain subject to judicial oversight.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in upholding the rule of law while discharging its primary mandate of protecting lives and property,” Egbetokun said.
He added that the Force would “continue to deploy lawful, intelligence driven strategies to address security challenges and safeguard public safety across the country”.
Tinted glass regulations have long been a contentious issue in Nigeria. Under existing police guidelines, motorists with factory fitted or aftermarket tinted glass are required to obtain permits, largely on security grounds, including the need to prevent the use of tinted vehicles in crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery and terrorism.
However, past enforcement exercises have often drawn public criticism over alleged harassment, extortion and inconsistency in implementation.
In response to such concerns, the police have in recent years introduced digital application processes and pledged reforms aimed at transparency and professionalism.
The planned resumption of enforcement in January 2026 had reignited public debate, with civil society groups and motorists questioning both the legal basis and practical impact of the policy.
The Force sought to reassure the public that clarity would be provided as the legal process unfolds.
“Members of the public are assured that the Nigeria Police Force will communicate further developments and issue clear guidance as appropriate following the court’s determination of the matter, in the overriding interest of public order and national security,” the statement said.
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