FRSC Foils Vehicle Fraud in Gombe, Recovers Car Stolen Since 2021

FRSC Foils Vehicle Fraud in Gombe, Recovers Car Stolen Since 2021

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has uncovered a suspected vehicle fraud attempt in Gombe State, leading to the recovery of a car reported stolen since 2021.

The development was disclosed on Monday by the Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri, who said the breakthrough occurred at the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) office of the RS3.2 Gombe Sector Command during a routine number plate revalidation exercise.

According to the FRSC, the case came to light on April 16, 2026, when an applicant presented documents for plate conversion. Officials became suspicious after detecting inconsistencies in the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) across the submitted records.

“A meticulous verification process exposed discrepancies in the VIN, which prompted immediate physical inspection and confirmed a mismatch with the chassis engraving,” the statement said.

Further checks using the NVIS platform enabled officials to trace the vehicle’s original owner, identified as Mrs. Cecilia A. Duru, who confirmed that the car had been stolen in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in 2021.

She subsequently provided valid proof of ownership, helping to establish the authenticity of her claim.

The individual found in possession of the vehicle reportedly claimed to have purchased it from a third party, a development that raised further suspicion.

Acting on the intelligence, the FRSC coordinated necessary steps to secure the vehicle, preventing what it described as a possible attempt to re-register and conceal its identity.

The corps said the operation shows the growing effectiveness of the NVIS in tracking vehicles and combating related crimes.

“This highlights the importance of due diligence in vehicle transactions. Nigerians are advised to make use of official verification platforms to avoid falling victim to fraud,” the statement added.

The FRSC reiterated its commitment to leveraging technology and intelligence to enhance road safety and curb criminal activities linked to vehicle registration and documentation.