By Esther Ososanya
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has impounded more than 700 vehicles in a sweeping crackdown on illegally tinted cars, fake number plates, and other traffic violations across Abuja.
The late-night enforcement, carried out at Apo-Wassa Junction and the Karu axis on Monday, forms part of the second phase of Operation Sweep Abuja Clean.
Director of the FCTA Department of Security Services, Adamu Gwary, said the operation has already yielded results, with seven stolen vehicles recovered in just one week.
Represented by the Secretary of the Command and Control Centre, Dr Peter Olumuji, Gwary explained that the exercise is targeted at criminals behind the notorious “one-chance” taxi robberies.
Olumuji said, “Investigations show that most of the vehicles used by these criminals are illegally tinted, unregistered, or carry fake number plates.
“Taxi operators and other motorists have no justification for using tinted glass, which only provides cover for criminal activities.”
Olumuji added that the seizure of over 700 vehicles has sent a strong warning to criminal elements across the FCT.
He stressed that the initiative has significantly reduced incidents of one-chance robberies and assured residents that the stop-and-search inconveniences are temporary and necessary for safety.
Fake plates, mismatched taxis targeted
Head of Operations at the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), Mrs Deborah Osho, said the joint task force—including police and other security agencies—is also focusing on taxis operating with mismatched or fake number plates.
“Many of these vehicles drive against traffic, operate as unpainted taxis, or carry plates that do not match their registration details. In some cases, a plate registered to a Peugeot is found on a Corolla. These are clear red flags we monitor closely,” Osho explained.
She stressed that the mass impoundments, particularly in Karu, have made it increasingly difficult for criminals to operate, declaring that “the FCT is becoming too hot for one-chance operators.”
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Both officials reaffirmed that Operation Sweep Abuja Clean will continue across the city and satellite towns until sanity is restored on Abuja roads.
They appealed to the public for cooperation, assuring them that the measures are designed to safeguard lives and property.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
