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Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has recovered a suspected stolen Toyota Corolla in Nnewi, highlighting the effectiveness of the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) in tackling vehicle-related crimes.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri, said the recovery was made on April 4 at the NVIS Desk Office in Nnewi following a detailed verification process.
According to him, suspicion arose during an attempt to process proof-of-ownership documents on the NVIS portal when the vehicle’s chassis number showed inconsistencies during routine checks.
Further verification, including a physical inspection, revealed discrepancies related 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,” he said.
Ohaeri explained that contact with the owner confirmed the car had been forcefully taken from him during a kidnapping incident on January 23, 2023.
The discovery led to collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force in Nnewi, with the State Criminal Investigation Bureau taking over the case.
A joint operation involving FRSC officials, the police and the Motor Licensing Authority in Ojoto resulted in the arrest of both the agent who facilitated the fraudulent documentation and the applicant.
The vehicle was recovered on April 4 and is currently in police custody for further investigation. Preliminary findings indicated that the car had been deliberately altered to conceal its identity, including a change of colour from red to grey and the use of an unassigned number plate.
Ohaeri described the recovery as a testament to the NVIS platform’s robustness in enhancing vehicle traceability and combating theft. He reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to professionalism and inter-agency collaboration, noting that the case adds to the growing number of stolen vehicles recovered through the system.
