Abuja: The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced the impoundment of over 700 vehicles with unauthorized tinted glasses, fake number plates, and other traffic violations. The announcement was made by the FCTA Director, Department of Security Service, Adamu Gwary, during a ‘Stop and Search’ operation at the Apo-Wassa junction and Karu axis of Abuja.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, the operation is part of the second phase of ‘Operation Sweep Abuja Clean’, a multi-agency crime prevention initiative. The FCTA, represented by the Secretary of the Command and Control Centre, Dr. Peter Olumuji, emphasized that the measure aims to curb the incidences of ‘one-chance syndrome’ in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The joint taskforce operation has successfully recovered seven stolen vehicles within the past week.

The initiative targets motorists suspected of criminal activities, particularly those involved in ‘one chance’ robberies. Gwary highlighted that victims often reported the involvement of vehicles with tinted glasses in such crimes. The operation has so far impounded over 700 vehicles from its first and second phases. Intelligence gathered from victims revealed that many of the vehicles used in ‘one chance’ crimes were either illegally tinted, unregistered, or carried fake number plates.

Gwary warned vehicle owners, particularly cab drivers, against using tinted glass, which often aids criminals in concealing illicit activities. He assured residents that the operation has significantly reduced incidences of ‘one chance’ robberies, and the taskforce remains vigilant across the FCT.

Mrs. Deborah Osho, Head of Operations, Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), reiterated the administration’s dedication to ridding the city of unregistered and unpainted taxis, commonly used by criminals. She disclosed that several vehicles were impounded for various offenses, including driving against traffic, lack of registration, and using non-assigned number plates.

Osho explained that many ‘one-chance’ perpetrators use untraceable vehicle number plates. Suspicious vehicles are promptly apprehended to prevent crime. The large number of vehicles apprehended in Karu sends a clear message: Abuja is increasingly hostile to criminal activities.

The ‘Operation Sweep Abuja Clean’ initiative will continue its efforts across the city and suburbs to restore order on Abuja roads. Osho urged citizens to cooperate with enforcement officers to ensure a safer and more secure Federal Capital Territory.