From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has confiscated more than 700 vehicles for offences including illegal tinted glass, fake number plates, and other traffic violations as part of a crackdown on robbery incidents in Abuja.
FCTA Director of the Department of Security Services Adamu Gwary revealed the figures during a stop-and-search operation at the Apo-Wassa Junction and Karu axis on Monday, August 18, 2025, emphasising that the initiative targets the escalating problem of “one-chance” robberies in the territory.
Speaking through Peter Olumuji, Secretary of the Command and Control Centre, Gwary explained the effort forms the second phase of “Operation Sweep Abuja Clean,” a coordinated multi-agency crime prevention strategy that has already seen significant successes. He highlighted that the operation recently recovered seven stolen vehicles within just one week.
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“The exercise targets criminally inclined motorists, particularly those involved in notorious one-chance robberies across the city and satellite towns,” Gwary stated.
Intelligence gathered indicates a strong link between tinted vehicles and criminal activities. Gwary said,
“Most of the victims we interrogated said the vehicles they boarded were tinted. Yet, we are seeing even business operators using tinted glasses unnecessarily.” According to him, vehicles used in these crimes are often illegally tinted, unregistered, or fitted with fake number plates.
The FCTA further warned that vehicle owners, including cab drivers, have no valid reason to use tinted glass, which aids criminals in disguising their actions. Gwary added, “Our stop-and-search exercise has made it clear to criminals that no matter where they are in the FCT, the team will always reach them.”
Head of Operations at the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), Deborah Osho, affirmed the administration’s dedication to eliminating unregistered and unpainted taxis, known to be favoured by criminals. She described the ongoing joint task force operations as an effective collaboration primarily led by the police, which targets offenders such as those driving against traffic or using untraceable number plates.
“Most of the one-chance vehicles either have fake number plates not traceable to the actual vehicles, or operate as unpainted taxis, making it difficult to identify them,” Osho explained. She reassured residents that the operations would continue throughout Abuja and its suburbs until security and order are fully restored.
Osho urged citizens to cooperate with the enforcement teams for the safety and security of all within the Federal Capital Territory.
The administration appeals for public understanding of temporary inconveniences this clampdown may cause, underscoring its crucial role in protecting lives and property.
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