FRSC’s NVIS Portal: 73 Stolen Vehicles Recovered and Counting

In 2024, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) announced recovery of 73 stolen vehicles across Nigeria through its National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) portal. The recovered vehicles included a wide range: from Toyota Highlanders to motorcycles. The success was highlighted as a major blow to criminal vehicle theft syndicates.

Also Read: How FRSC Is Rewriting Nigeria’s Road Safety Rulebook

The momentum continued into 2025: by mid-year, FRSC had recovered another 35 stolen vehicles through the same tech, solidifying the NVIS portal’s role in crime intelligence and law enforcement.

This technology-driven initiative is not just a law enforcement coup,it’s a much-needed boost to national security, public confidence, and automotive integrity.

How NVIS Works: Tech at the Frontline of Recovery

The National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) portal is a digital register that flags vehicles with suspicious or stolen vehicle histories at registration points. Through data access and intelligence-sharing, FRSC is now able to identify and intercept stolen vehicles, before they are integrated into the system.

Key Dynamics:

• Point of Registration Interception: Vehicles flagged by NVIS are intercepted when owners attempt to register or verify them, effectively cutting off access to official clearance and circulation.
• Security Agency Synergy: FRSC teams work in sync with police units, customs, and state authorities to track and retrieve stolen vehicles across the country.
• Vehicle Owner Cooperation: The Corps emphasizes accurate information during registration as a critical factor for effective intelligence gathering and timely recovery.

What Was Recovered? A Closer Look at the Numbers

2024 Recovery Breakdown:

• 73 stolen vehicles recovered:
  • 21 Toyota Corollas, 17 Toyota Camry, 6 Toyota Siennas
  • 4 Toyota Highlanders, 1 each of Toyota Hilux, RAV4, Celica, Venza
  • Luxury makes: Lexus, Mercedes-Benz
  • Others: Honda, Daihatsu, Man Truck, Pontiac Vibe, Qlink Motorcycles.

First Half of 2025:

• 35 stolen vehicles retrieved:
  • Mostly Toyota, some Lexus, Mercedes, Ford Focus, Daihatsu, Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Sienna.

This largely Toyota-heavy recovery underscores the brand’s prevalence but also signals targeted syndicate activity targeting popular models.

Rivers State: Recovery in the Niger Delta

While nationwide, Rivers State remains a hotspot for vehicle theft, specific public communication on Rivers-only NVIS recoveries is limited. However, these nationwide recovery numbers strongly suggest operations and seizures likely occurred in Rivers, aided by state FRSC command centers, vehicle checkpoints, and intelligence networks. Increased surveillance in Port Harcourt, leak-proof registration points, and local driver alerts have helped.

Nevertheless, Rivers drivers should consider FRSC recoveries as a collective win, with the tech-based model now acting as a deterrent even for regional criminals.

Why This Matters to Nigerian Drivers

1. Safeguarding Buyers

Many Tokunbo (used import) buyers unknowingly purchase stolen or accident-damaged cars. NVIS offers a way to check—before payments are made.

2. National Security

By intercepting stolen vehicles, NVIS weakens car theft rings and protects communities from violence, extortion, and trafficking.

3. Boost to Trust

Recovering high-value vehicles communicates to the public that agencies can disrupt theft syndicates through repeated intelligent interventions.

What Needs to Improve Next

RoadKing Verdict

The FRSC’s NVIS portal is a game-changer in the fight against vehicle theft in Nigeria. Recovering over 100 stolen vehicles in less than two years proves that strategic tech integration, real-time data, and inter-agency collaboration work.

For motorists nationwide, especially in theft-prone areas like Rivers, this isn’t just law enforcement news, it’s a protective shield. But public ownership of the system is essential. Before any car purchase, verify via NVIS. And authorities must ensure this tool becomes transparent and accessible.

Together, we can make auto theft not just unwelcome but impossible.