Tuesday, April 7, 2026 - The Federal Road Safety Corps has recovered a suspected stolen Toyota Corolla in Nnewi, Anambra, demonstrating the effectiveness of the National Vehicle Identification Scheme in combating vehicle-related crimes.
In a statement on Monday in Abuja, the Corps Public
Education Officer, Mr Osondu Ohaeri, said the recovery was made on April 4 at
the NVIS Desk Office in Nnewi.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Ohaeri said the
recovery followed a detailed verification process initiated during an attempt
to process proof-of-ownership documents on the NVIS portal.
He explained that suspicion was raised when the applicant’s
chassis number showed inconsistencies during routine checks.
According to him, the NVIS officer subsequently carried out
further verification, including a physical inspection of the vehicle’s chassis
number.
“This, however, revealed discrepancies linked to an already
registered vehicle in the database.
“Further checks on the NVIS portal established the true
identity of the vehicle and its rightful owner, Mr Onyechi Dickson, the Eze of
Awka.
“Contact with the owner confirmed that the vehicle had been
forcefully taken from him during a kidnapping incident on Jan. 23, 2023, after
which he was abandoned while the car was taken away,” he said.
Ohaeri said the development prompted swift collaboration
with the Nigeria Police Force Area Command in Nnewi, leading to the State
Criminal Investigation Bureau becoming involved.
He added that a coordinated operation involving FRSC
officials, the police, and the Motor Licensing Authority in Ojoto led to the
arrest of the agent who facilitated the fraudulent documentation, alongside the
applicant.
“The vehicle was successfully recovered on April 4 at about
16:54 hours. and is currently in the custody of the State Criminal
Investigation Bureau of the police in Nnewi for further investigation,” he
said.
The CPEO said preliminary findings showed that the vehicle
had undergone deliberate modifications to conceal its identity.
According to him, the original red colour of the car has
been changed to grey, while an unassigned number plate, NZM135AQ, was affixed
to it.
“This confirms criminal intent and an attempt to circumvent
the system,” he said.
Despite the alterations, Ohaeri said the NVIS platform’s
robustness ensured that the vehicle’s true identity was uncovered.
He described the recovery as a testament to the critical
role of NVIS in enhancing vehicle traceability, combating vehicle theft, and
strengthening national security.
Ohaeri also underscored the Corps’ commitment to due
diligence, professionalism, and inter-agency collaboration in safeguarding
lives and property.
He noted that the recovery adds to the growing number of
stolen vehicles traced and recovered through the NVIS platform in the year.
“The development marks another milestone in the Corps’
sustained crackdown on vehicle theft and fraudulent registration practices
across the country,” he said.
Ohaeri urged members of the public to ensure proper
documentation and verification of vehicle particulars before acquisition and to
continue collaborating with law enforcement agencies to curb vehicle-related
crimes.
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