The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has foiled an attempted vehicle fraud at its National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) Office in Gombe, leading to the recovery of a vehicle suspected to have been stolen since 2021.
The breakthrough occurred during a routine number plate revalidation exercise at the RS3.2 Gombe Sector Command on April 16, 2026. According to the Corps Public Education Officer, Deputy Corps Commander Osondu Ohaeri, the fraud attempt was uncovered when an applicant presented documents for plate conversion, prompting officials to commence standard verification procedures.
Ohaeri said discrepancies were detected in the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contained in the submitted documents, while a detailed physical inspection confirmed that the VIN did not correspond with the chassis engraving on the vehicle.
He explained that further checks through the NVIS platform enabled officials to trace the registered owner, Mrs. Cecilia A. Duru, who confirmed that the vehicle had been stolen in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in 2021, and subsequently provided valid proof of ownership.
The individual found in possession of the vehicle reportedly claimed to have acquired it through a third party, a development Ohaeri said deepened suspicion and triggered swift intervention by FRSC personnel, leading to the recovery of the vehicle.
He noted that the operation underscores the growing effectiveness of the National Vehicle Identification Scheme in tackling vehicle-related crimes, including theft, cloning and document fraud.
Ohaeri also urged members of the public to exercise caution when purchasing vehicles and to make use of official verification platforms to confirm ownership and authenticity before concluding transactions.
