By Our Reporter
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has recovered two suspected stolen vehicles through its National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) in separate operations in Edo State, with the suspects handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.
The Corps said the recoveries underscore the effectiveness of the National Vehicle Identification Scheme as a critical platform for vehicle authentication, ownership verification and the detection of vehicle-related crimes across the country.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Corps Public Education Officer, Deputy Corps Commander Osondu Ohaeri, the first operation involved a suspected stolen silver Toyota Highlander presented for verification at the NVIS New Benin Office by officials of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) alongside a suspect.
During the verification process, FRSC personnel discovered discrepancies after querying the vehicle’s registration number, KSF730GK, on the NVIS portal. Although the registration number appeared valid, it had not been assigned to any vehicle.
Further checks using the vehicle’s identification number (VIN) revealed a different registration number and ownership details.
The Corps said a telephone call was placed to the registered owner, who confirmed that the vehicle had been stolen in Lagos in June 2025 and subsequently provided documentary evidence to support the claim.
The recovered vehicle was identified as a silver Toyota Highlander with Chassis Number JTEES41A492116703 and Engine Number 2GR1047752, while its authentic registration number on the NVIS database is AKD339JN.
In a separate operation on July 21, 2026, FRSC officials intercepted another suspected stolen vehicle, a black Toyota Venza, during a routine verification exercise at the NVIS New Benin Office.
The vehicle, which had no registration number, was subjected to verification using an OBD II scanner to authenticate its Vehicle Identification Number.
The verification revealed that the vehicle was duly registered with Registration Number SAP446AG.
According to the Corps, officials contacted the phone number linked to the registration record. Although the registered owner initially ended the call, he later returned it and disclosed that the vehicle had disappeared with a woman in Sapele, Delta State, in January 2026.
The owner subsequently confirmed the vehicle’s registration details, colour and other identifying features, establishing ownership beyond doubt.
The recovered vehicle was identified as a black Toyota Venza with Chassis Number 4T3ZA3BB5AU033884, lawfully registered to Mr. Ogbodo Gift Nyore of Sapele, Delta State.
Following the successful verification of both vehicles, FRSC personnel invited officers of the Nigeria Police Force, after which the recovered vehicles and the suspects were handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Edo State Police Command, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Reacting to the development, the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, commended the professionalism, vigilance and technological competence displayed by the personnel involved in the operations.
He said the successful recoveries once again demonstrated the effectiveness of the National Vehicle Identification Scheme in protecting legitimate vehicle ownership, detecting fraudulent documentation and strengthening national security.
According to the Corps Marshal, the NVIS has continued to serve as a reliable technological platform for authenticating vehicle records, tracing stolen vehicles, exposing identity manipulation and providing credible intelligence to security and law enforcement agencies.
He urged vehicle owners, prospective buyers, motor dealers and relevant government agencies to always verify vehicles through the FRSC’s National Vehicle Identification Scheme before completing any transaction.
The Corps Marshal stressed that proper verification remains the most effective safeguard against vehicle theft, fraud and other vehicle-related criminal activities.
