A vehicle stolen in Benue State over a decade ago has been successfully recovered in Ebonyi State, in a development that underscores the growing role of technology in combating vehicle-related crimes in Nigeria.
The car, a Toyota Camry saloon, was originally reported stolen on August 13, 2015, in Benue State. Its recovery came 11 years later, on March 27, 2026, in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, following a routine verification process by officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
According to the FRSC, the breakthrough occurred at a National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) desk office during standard documentation checks. Officials from the Ebonyi State Motor Licensing Authority had presented the vehicle for registration when discrepancies in its records triggered further scrutiny.
Subsequent verification revealed that the vehicle had been re-registered with a different plate number in an apparent attempt to conceal its identity. The NVIS system, however, flagged inconsistencies that led authorities to trace the car back to its original owner, identified as Mr. Adeka Akoji, who confirmed it had been stolen years earlier.
Following this discovery, the FRSC alerted the Nigeria Police Force, prompting a coordinated operation. Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Abakaliki moved swiftly and recovered the vehicle.
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Reacting to the development, FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, described the recovery as a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of the NVIS platform in enhancing national security and protecting vehicle ownership. He noted that the scheme remains a critical tool for tracking and recovering stolen vehicles across the country.
The Corps Marshal also commended the collaboration between the FRSC and the police, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency synergy in tackling crime. He urged vehicle owners and prospective buyers to ensure proper documentation and verification through the NVIS before acquiring or registering vehicles.
The incident highlights both the persistence of vehicle theft networks and the increasing capacity of Nigerian authorities to detect and reverse such crimes, even many years after they occur.
