Security agencies in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have seized more than 700 vehicles in a sweeping crackdown on illegal tinted windows, fake number plates and other offences linked to urban crime.
The operation, part of the government’s Operation Sweep Abuja Clean campaign, involves the police, the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) and other agencies. Officials say the initiative is aimed at curbing “one chance” robberies – incidents in which unsuspecting passengers are lured into taxis and then robbed, often violently.
Dr Peter Olumuji, speaking on behalf of FCTA security director Adamu Gwary, said most reported “one chance” cases involved vehicles with tinted glass or false registration. “Our stop-and-search operations have sent a message that no matter where they hide in the FCT, criminals will be tracked down,” he said.
The crackdown has also led to the recovery of seven stolen vehicles in the past week. DRTS operations head, Deborah Osho, noted that many taxis arrested were unpainted and carried untraceable plates, making them a preferred choice for criminals.
Authorities assured residents that while the checks may cause temporary inconvenience, they are critical for restoring public safety. “This operation will continue until order is brought back to Abuja’s roads,” Osho said.
