FRSC Recovers Stolen Vehicle in Anambra Three Years After Kidnap Incident

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has recovered a stolen vehicle in Nnewi, Anambra State, three years after it was taken during a kidnapping incident.

The corps said the recovery underscores the effectiveness of the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS).

According to a statement by the agency, the vehicle was recovered on April 4, 2026, at the NVIS Desk Office in Nnewi following a verification process triggered during an attempt to process proof of ownership documents on the NVIS portal.

Suspicion was raised when the chassis number submitted did not match existing records, prompting further investigation by the NVIS officer. A detailed review revealed discrepancies linked to a vehicle already registered in the system.

The officer subsequently requested a physical inspection of the vehicle, which confirmed its true identity and ownership as belonging to Onyechi Dickson Eze.

Further contact with the owner revealed that the vehicle had been forcefully taken from him during a kidnapping incident on January 23, 2023, after which he was abandoned while the assailants fled with the car.

Following the discovery, the Nigeria Police Force Area Command in Nnewi was alerted, leading to the involvement of the State Criminal Investigation Bureau (SCIB). In a joint operation involving FRSC officials, the police and the Motor Licensing Authority in Ojoto, both the agent who processed the fraudulent documents and the applicant were arrested.

The FRSC disclosed that the vehicle is currently in police custody for further investigation.

Preliminary findings showed that the car had been deliberately modified to conceal its identity, including a change in colour from red to grey and the use of an unassigned number plate.

Despite these alterations, the corps said the NVIS platform enabled accurate identification and recovery of the vehicle.

The FRSC described the recovery as a testament to the importance of the NVIS in combating vehicle-related crimes and enhancing national security.

It reiterated its commitment to professionalism and collaboration with relevant agencies, while urging members of the public to properly verify vehicle documents before purchase and support efforts to curb vehicle theft.