The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has recovered a suspected stolen Toyota Corolla in Nnewi, Anambra state, using its National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) in a breakthrough that underscores the agency’s growing success in combating vehicle related crimes.
The vehicle, recovered on April 4, 2026, at about 1654hrs at the NVIS Desk Office in Nnewi, was flagged down during an attempt to process proof of ownership documents. A routine verification of the chassis number raised suspicion, prompting further checks which revealed discrepancies linked to an already registered vehicle in the NVIS database.
A statement signed by the corps spokesperson, Osondu Ohaeri, said acting promptly, the NVIS officer requested a physical inspection of the vehicle, which confirmed that its identity had been tampered with.
Further verification uncovered the rightful owner as Mr. Onyechi Dickson Eze of Awka, Anambra state.
Contact with the owner revealed that the vehicle had been stolen during a kidnapping incident on January 23, 2023, when he was forcefully dispossessed of the car and abandoned by his abductors.
Following the discovery, the Nigeria Police Force Area Command in Nnewi was notified, leading to the involvement of the State Criminal Investigation Bureau (SCIB).
A coordinated operation involving the FRSC, the Police, and the Motor Licensing Authority (MLA) Ojoto led to the arrest of both the applicant and the agent who facilitated the fraudulent documentation.
Investigations further showed that the vehicle had been deliberately altered to conceal its identity. Its original red colour had been changed to gray, and an unassigned number plate (NZM135AQ) was affixed to it, indicating clear criminal intent.
The recovered vehicle is currently in the custody of the SBI Unit of the Nigeria Police Force Area Command, Nnewi, for further investigation.
The corps said the recovery highlights the effectiveness of the NVIS platform in ensuring vehicle traceability, preventing fraud, and strengthening national security. It also reflects the FRSC’s commitment to professionalism, due diligence, and inter-agency collaboration in safeguarding lives and property.
The FRSC noted that the recovery adds to a growing number of stolen vehicles traced through NVIS in 2026, reaffirming its resolve to stay ahead of criminal elements exploiting vehicle registration systems.
