The Federal Road Safety Corps has recovered a Toyota Camry suspected to have been stolen 11 years ago in Ebonyi State, following a routine vehicle verification process.

The discovery was made during a standard check at the National Vehicle Identification Scheme Desk Office, according to a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by the Corps’ Acting Public Education Officer, Felicia Kalu.

Kalu said the verification was triggered when an official of the Motor Licensing Authority under the State Board of Internal Revenue presented documents for vehicle registration. A subsequent check revealed inconsistencies in the vehicle’s records.

Further investigation showed that the car was originally registered to one Adeka Akoji, who later confirmed that it had been stolen in Benue State on August 13, 2015.

Following the confirmation, the FRSC alerted the Nigeria Police, leading to a coordinated operation.

Officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Abakaliki recovered the vehicle on March 27, 2026.

Authorities said the vehicle had been re-registered with a different number plate, NKE500AE, instead of its original registration number, MKD659AG, in an apparent attempt to conceal its identity.

Reacting to the development, Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed described the recovery as evidence of the effectiveness of the National Vehicle Identification Scheme in tracking and recovering stolen vehicles.

He commended the officers involved and the collaboration between the FRSC and the police, noting that the scheme remains a vital tool for enhancing security and verifying vehicle ownership.

Mohammed also urged motorists to ensure proper documentation and verification of vehicles before purchase or registration, adding that the corps would continue to strengthen surveillance and enforcement efforts nationwide.