By Mary Izuaka

 

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has recovered a stolen red Hyundai vehicle in Abuja and handed it over to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for further investigation, the Corps said on Tuesday.

According to a statement signed by the Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri, the vehicle with registration number YAB 789 AM was recovered at about 2:00 a.m. on 1 September by a tow truck team of the RS7.1 FCT Sector Command at Wuye, along the expressway leading to Area 1.

Mr Ohaeri said the recovery was made during routine operational activities by the team, noting that a document found inside the vehicle provided a lead that enabled operatives to trace and contact the owner.

Following the recovery, the Sector Commander, RS7.1 FCT Sector Command, Tijjani Iliyasu, activated the inter-agency handover process by inviting the FCT Police Command.

Mr Ohaeri said the vehicle was formally handed over by the Deputy Corps Commander (Operations), Sabitu Abdu, to the Divisional Police Officer of Wuse Division, Nimyel Ponfa, who received it on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command.

Commenting on the development, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, said the incident underscores the role of technology, vigilance and collaboration in protecting lives and property on Nigerian roads.

He stressed that the Corps would continue to strengthen its vehicle identification and intelligence capabilities while maintaining close collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies whenever operational circumstances demand.

He noted that the operation aligns with the administration’s effort to reposition the FRSC as a more technologically driven, responsive and security-conscious institution.

The Corps Marshal specifically cited the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) as a key tool in supporting vehicle verification and national security operations. He said 81 stolen vehicles have been recovered through the NVIS Portal under the current administration.

“The Corps’ vehicle identification infrastructure, particularly the NVIS, has increasingly become an important tool in supporting vehicle verification and national security operations,” the statement read.

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The FRSC reiterated that its mandate to save lives on Nigerian roads is tied to ensuring that the road environment remains safe, secure and properly regulated.

The Corps said it will continue to leverage technology, field operations, intelligence and strategic partnerships to identify suspicious vehicles, support investigations and prevent criminal exploitation of the nation’s road transportation system.

Mr Mohammed commended the operational team of RS7.1 FCT Sector Command for its “vigilance and professionalism” and appreciated the FCT Police Command for its continued cooperation.

He assured the public that such collaboration will remain central to the Corps’ commitment to safer roads, safer vehicles and a more secure Nigeria.

The FRSC is Nigeria’s lead agency for road traffic and safety administration, and in recent years has expanded its use of technology for vehicle tracking, driver licensing and accident data management.