Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has issued a 72-hour ultimatum for commercial drivers to remove tinted glasses from their vehicles following reports of criminals using such buses for kidnappings and armed robberies.
The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Oguwike Nwachuku, disclosed that security intelligence confirmed tinted commercial buses, particularly shuttle buses, were being weaponized for crimes including “hit-and-run” attacks across the state.
“Governor Uzodimma has approved an immediate clampdown on all commercial vehicles with tinted glasses being used as criminal operational tools,” Nwachuku stated. “Defaulters who fail to comply within three days will face the full wrath of the law.”
The directive mandates joint enforcement by security agencies and government officials to eliminate what authorities describe as a growing security threat. Recent abductions in Owerri and neighboring communities prompted the emergency measure, with victims often transported in modified buses with obscured windows.
This crackdown mirrors similar moves by Lagos and Abuja authorities in recent years to curb criminals exploiting tinted vehicles. Imo’s security agencies have been placed on high alert to impound non-compliant commercial vehicles after the 72-hour grace period elapses.
