FRSC recovers two suspected stolen vehicles, hands suspects over to police

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has recovered two suspected stolen vehicles through its National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) platform in separate operations in Edo State and handed the suspects over to the Nigeria Police Force.

The operations were detailed in an official statement released in Abuja by the Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri, on Wednesday.

Ohaeri said that the first recovery was a suspected stolen Toyota Highlander, which was presented for verification at the NVIS New Benin Office by officials of the Edo Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) alongside a suspect.

During the verification process, Ohaeri said FRSC personnel observed discrepancies after the registration number KSF730GK was queried on the NVIS portal, adding that while the registration number appeared valid, it had not been assigned to any vehicle.

“Further verification using the vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), immediately revealed a different registration number and ownership details, prompting a more detailed investigation.

“A telephone call was subsequently placed to the registered owner, who confirmed that the vehicle had been stolen in Lagos since June 2025.

“The owner also provided supporting evidence to substantiate the claim.

“The recovered vehicle is a Silver Toyota Highlander with Chassis Number JTEES41A492116703 and Engine Number 2GR1047752.

“The authentic registration details on the NVIS database correspond to Registration Number AKD339JN,” he said.

The CPEO also said that in a separate operation on Tuesday, another suspected stolen vehicle, a Black Toyota Venza, was intercepted during a routine vehicle verification exercise at the NVIS New Benin office.

“The vehicle was brought to the office without a registration number for verification.

“As part of the verification process, FRSC personnel scanned the vehicle’s chassis using an OBD II Scanner to authenticate its VIN.

“Upon inputting the VIN into the NVIS portal, it was discovered that the vehicle was duly registered with Registration Number SAP446AG. FRSC officials immediately contacted the phone number linked to the registration record.

“Although the registered owner initially terminated the call, he later returned it and disclosed that he had been searching for the vehicle, explaining that it had disappeared with a woman since January 2026 in Sapele, Delta,” he added.

Ohaeri said that the registered owner subsequently confirmed the vehicle’s registration number, colour and other identifying details, thereby establishing ownership beyond doubt.

“The recovered vehicle is a Black Toyota Venza with Chassis Number 4T3ZA3BB5AU033884, lawfully registered to Mr Ogbodo Gift Nyore of Sapele, Delta,” Ohaeri said.

He revealed that following due verification in both cases, FRSC personnel promptly invited officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

He said that the recovered vehicles and the suspects were handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), of the Police Command in Edo, for comprehensive investigation and possible prosecution.

According to Ohaeri, the recoveries further reinforced the strategic importance of the NVIS as a critical national database for vehicle authentication, ownership verification and crime prevention.

“They also demonstrate the effectiveness of the platform in tracing stolen vehicles, detecting identity manipulation and supporting law enforcement agencies in safeguarding lives and property.”

He quoted the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed as commending the professionalism, vigilance and technological competence displayed by the FRSC personnel involved in the successful recoveries.

Mohammed noted that the operations once again demonstrated the effectiveness of the NVIS in protecting legitimate vehicle ownership, exposing fraudulent vehicle documentation and strengthening national security.

According to the corps marshal, the NVIS has continued to serve as a dependable technological platform for authenticating vehicle records, tracing stolen vehicles, detecting identity manipulation and providing credible intelligence to security and law enforcement agencies across the country.

He urged vehicle owners, intending buyers, motor dealers and relevant government agencies to always subject vehicles to proper verification through the NVIS before concluding any transaction.

He also stressed that due diligence remained the most effective safeguard against vehicle-related fraud and criminality.

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