The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has recorded another major breakthrough in the fight against vehicle-related crimes with the recovery of two suspected stolen vehicles through its National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) in separate operations in Edo State.
A statement explained that the recoveries underscore the growing importance of the NVIS as a critical national database for vehicle authentication, ownership verification and crime prevention, while highlighting its effectiveness in tracing stolen vehicles, detecting identity manipulation and supporting law enforcement agencies in protecting lives and property.
The first recovery involved a suspected stolen Silver Toyota Highlander, which was 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 queried the registration number KSF730GK on the NVIS portal and discovered that although the registration number appeared valid, it had not been assigned to any vehicle.
A further check using the vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) revealed a different registration number and ownership details, prompting an in-depth investigation. FRSC officials immediately contacted the registered owner, who confirmed that the Toyota Highlander had been stolen in Lagos in June 2025 and provided documentary evidence to support the claim.
The recovered vehicle bears Chassis Number JTEES41A492116703 and Engine Number 2GR1047752. The authentic registration details on the NVIS database correspond to Registration Number AKD339JN.
In a separate operation carried out on July 21, 2026, FRSC personnel intercepted another suspected stolen vehicle, a Black Toyota Venza, during a routine verification exercise at the NVIS New Benin Office.
The vehicle was presented for verification without a registration number. As part of the authentication process, officers scanned the vehicle’s chassis using an OBD II Scanner to obtain its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). A search on the NVIS portal confirmed that the vehicle was duly registered under Registration Number SAP446AG.
FRSC officials immediately contacted the phone number linked to the registration record. Although the registered owner initially declined the call, he later returned it and disclosed that he had been searching for the vehicle after it allegedly disappeared with a woman in January 2026 in Sapele, Delta State.
The owner subsequently confirmed the vehicle’s registration number, colour and other identifying details, establishing ownership beyond doubt.
The recovered Toyota Venza, bearing Chassis Number 4T3ZA3BB5AU033884, is lawfully registered to Mr. Ogbodo Gift Nyore of Sapele, Delta State.
Following the successful verification in both cases, 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.
Commenting on the development, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, commended the professionalism, vigilance and technological competence displayed by the personnel involved in the operations.
He said the successful recoveries once again demonstrate the effectiveness of the National Vehicle Identification Scheme in protecting legitimate vehicle ownership, exposing fraudulent vehicle documentation and strengthening national security.
According to the Corps Marshal, the NVIS has continued to serve as a dependable technological platform for authenticating vehicle records, tracing stolen vehicles, detecting identity manipulation and providing credible intelligence to security and law enforcement agencies nationwide.
He urged vehicle owners, prospective buyers, automobile dealers and relevant government agencies to always subject vehicles to proper verification through the FRSC’s National Vehicle Identification Scheme before concluding any transaction, stressing that due diligence remains the most effective safeguard against vehicle-related fraud and criminal activities.
