By Nworisa Michael
The Federal Road Safety Corps has recovered a vehicle stolen since 2023, following a verification process powered by the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS).
The vehicle, a Toyota Corolla, was recovered on April 4, 2026, at the NVIS Desk Office in Nnewi, Anambra State, during an attempt to process ownership documents.
According to a statement signed by Osondu Ohaeri, suspicion was raised when the chassis number submitted for verification showed inconsistencies on the NVIS portal. This prompted further checks by the NVIS officer, including a physical inspection of the vehicle.
The verification process revealed that the vehicle was already registered to another owner, identified as Onyechi Dickson Eze from Awka, Anambra State. Upon contact, Eze confirmed that the car had been taken from him during a kidnapping incident on January 23, 2023.
Following the discovery, the Nigeria Police Force in Nnewi was notified, leading to a joint operation involving the State Criminal Investigation Bureau and the Motor Licensing Authority. The operation resulted in the arrest of the suspect who processed the fraudulent documents, along with the applicant.
The recovered vehicle has since been handed over to the police for further investigation.
Preliminary findings indicated that the vehicle had been altered to conceal its identity, including a change of colour from red to grey and the use of an unassigned number plate. Despite these modifications, the NVIS system successfully identified the vehicle’s original details.
The FRSC noted that the recovery underscores the effectiveness of the NVIS platform in tracking vehicles, preventing fraud, and enhancing national security. The Corps also reiterated its commitment to strengthening collaboration with other agencies to combat vehicle-related crimes.
Members of the public were advised to ensure proper verification and documentation before purchasing vehicles, while also supporting efforts to curb criminal activities within the transport sector.
