By Chioma James
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has foiled a vehicle fraud attempt at the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) Office, RS3.2 Gombe Sector Command, leading to the recovery of a vehicle suspected to have been stolen since 2021.
The incident, which occurred on April 16, 2026, was uncovered when an applicant presented documents for number plate conversion. A meticulous verification process revealed discrepancies in the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) across the submitted records, prompting an immediate physical inspection, which confirmed a mismatch with the chassis engraving.
Leveraging the NVIS platform, FRSC officials traced and contacted the registered owner, Mrs. Cecilia A. Duru, who confirmed that the vehicle had been stolen in 2021 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. She subsequently provided valid proof of ownership, establishing the authenticity of her claim.
The individual in possession of the vehicle claimed to have acquired it through a third party, further deepening suspicion. Acting swiftly on intelligence, FRSC coordinated the necessary interventions, ensuring the prompt recovery of the vehicle and preventing its possible disappearance.
This operation highlights the Corps’ growing intelligence capacity and the effectiveness of the NVIS in combating vehicle-related crimes. The FRSC therefore urges the public to exercise due diligence in vehicle transactions and to utilise official verification platforms to avoid falling victim to fraud.