FRSC recovers a Toyota Camry stolen in 2015 in Ebonyi State, showcasing the effectiveness of its National Vehicle Identification Scheme

The Federal Road Safety Corps has recovered a vehicle reported stolen in 2015, marking a significant achievement in its ongoing fight against vehicle-related crimes across Nigeria.

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According to a statement by the Corps, the breakthrough occurred during a routine verification exercise on March 24, 2026, at the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) Desk Office in Ebonyi State.

The process began when an official from the Motor Licensing Authority (MLA) submitted documents for vehicle registration. During the standard verification procedure, the NVIS Desk Officer detected irregularities in the vehicle’s records.

Further investigation revealed that the car, a Toyota Camry saloon, had originally been registered to Mr. Adeka Emmanuel Akoji. Mr. Akoji confirmed that the vehicle had been stolen from him in Benue State on 13 August 2015.

Following this discovery, the FRSC notified the Nigeria Police, leading to a joint operation. On 27 March 2026, at approximately 1:50 p.m., operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Abakaliki successfully recovered the vehicle.

The recovered Camry still bore its original registration number, MKD659AG, but had been assigned a new plate, NKE500AE, suggesting an attempt to conceal its identity.

Reacting to the recovery, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, commended the officers involved and the collaboration with the Nigeria Police.

“The Corps will continue to leverage technology and intelligence-driven strategies to rid the nation’s roads of stolen and improperly documented vehicles,” he said, highlighting the effectiveness of the NVIS system in strengthening national security.

The FRSC also urged members of the public, particularly vehicle buyers and other stakeholders, to verify all vehicle documents through the NVIS platform before purchase or registration.

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The agency reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining nationwide monitoring and enforcement efforts to curb vehicle theft and related offences.