The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to combat vehicle-related crimes, recovering a Toyota Camry that was reported stolen 11 years ago.
The vehicle was intercepted during a routine verification exercise at the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) Desk Office in Ebonyi State on March 24, 2026. The process began when an official of the Motor Licensing Authority (MLA) from the Board of Internal Revenue presented documents for registration.
According to the FRSC, a standard verification carried out by the NVIS Desk Officer revealed discrepancies in the vehicle’s records. Further checks confirmed that the car had originally been registered to one Mr. Adeka Emmanuel Akoji, who later verified that it was stolen in Benue State on August 13, 2015.
Following the discovery, the FRSC alerted the Nigeria Police Force, prompting swift action. Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Abakaliki recovered the vehicle on March 27, 2026, at about 1:50 p.m.
The recovered Toyota Camry, which initially bore registration number MKD659AG, had been re-registered with a new plate number, NKE500AE—suggesting deliberate attempts to conceal its identity.
FRSC described the recovery as a testament to the effectiveness of the NVIS platform in tracking and verifying vehicles nationwide. The Corps noted that the scheme continues to play a vital role in strengthening national security and curbing vehicle theft.
The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, commended the officers involved for their diligence and praised the collaboration with the police. He reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to leveraging technology and intelligence-driven strategies to rid the nation’s roads of stolen and improperly documented vehicles.
The FRSC also urged motorists and stakeholders to ensure proper documentation and verification of vehicles through the NVIS platform before purchase or registration, as enforcement efforts are being intensified across the country.
