FRSC Recovers Vehicle Stolen in 2023 Kidnap Operation Using NVIS

FRSC Recovers Vehicle Stolen in 2023 Kidnap Operation Using NVIS

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has recovered a Toyota Corolla stolen during a kidnapping incident in 2023, in a breakthrough facilitated by its National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS).

The vehicle was recovered on April 4, 2026, at the NVIS Desk Office in Nnewi, Anambra State, following a routine verification process triggered during an application for proof of ownership.

In a statement signed on Monday by the Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri, the FRSC said suspicion was raised when the chassis number presented by the applicant did not align with records on the NVIS database.

“Upon scrutiny, the chassis number initially presented raised suspicion, prompting further verification which revealed discrepancies linked to an already registered vehicle in the database,” the statement said.

Acting on the irregularity, the NVIS officer requested a physical inspection of the vehicle, which uncovered its true identity. The vehicle was traced to its rightful owner, Mr. Onyechi Dickson Eze of Awka, Anambra State.

Further investigation confirmed that the car had been forcefully taken from him during a kidnapping incident on January 23, 2023, after which he was abandoned while the vehicle was driven away by his abductors.

Following the discovery, the Nigeria Police Force Area Command in Nnewi was alerted, leading to the involvement of the State Criminal Investigation Bureau (SCIB). A coordinated operation involving the FRSC, police, and the Motor Licensing Authority in Ojoto resulted in the arrest of both the applicant and an agent who facilitated the attempted fraudulent documentation.

The vehicle, recovered at about 4:54 p.m., has since been handed over to the police for further investigation.

Preliminary findings showed that the suspects had altered key features of the car in an attempt to conceal its identity. The original red colour was changed to grey, while an unassigned number plate was affixed to the vehicle.

“Despite these alterations, the robustness of the NVIS platform ensured that the vehicle’s true identity was uncovered without compromise,” the Corps said.

The FRSC described the recovery as further proof of the effectiveness of the NVIS in tracking stolen vehicles, curbing fraud, and strengthening national security. It added that the development reflects the Corps’ commitment to professionalism and collaboration with other agencies.

“This recovery speaks volumes of the critical role of the National Vehicle Identification Scheme in enhancing vehicle traceability and combating vehicle-related crimes,” the statement noted.

The Corps also urged members of the public to ensure proper documentation and verification of vehicle details before purchase, while encouraging continued cooperation with security agencies.