The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has launched an immediate investigation into a second batch of 612 vehicles flagged as stolen on the Electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR) platform, as well as over 1,610 vehicles that presented conflicting registration information. The e-CMR, introduced by the police in July 2024, serves as a cutting-edge, real-time online repository of motor vehicle data aimed at supporting police operations and investigations into vehicle-related crimes, including but not limited to theft, terrorism, kidnapping, and armed robbery. The initiative is part of the broader efforts by the police to leverage technology in tackling crimes affecting citizens and safeguarding their properties.
One notable incident highlighted by the police involved a vehicle initially reported as stolen from Abuja. The car came back on the radar when an unsuspecting buyer applied for a Central Motor Registry (CMR) certificate. This application triggered an alert that indicated the vehicle had been flagged as stolen. The subsequent police investigation into the matter uncovered that this vehicle had undergone two re-registrations in attempts to mask its previous stolen status. As a result of this investigation, a member associated with the vehicle theft syndicate was apprehended, demonstrating the effectiveness of the e-CMR in combatting vehicle theft.
In a statement from the Force Headquarters, the police outlined how the investigation process began, with the IGP instructing specific measures to recover stolen vehicles and address discrepancies in vehicle registrations. It’s reported that prior to this second batch being flagged, an earlier batch of seven vehicles had already been investigated, resulting in the recovery of three. The efficient recovery process illustrates the potential for the e-CMR to facilitate the identification and return of stolen vehicles to their rightful owners. One of the recovered vehicles was successfully traced from Ilorin, Kwara State, back to Abuja, thus restoring it to its original owner who had duly reported the theft via the Stolen Vehicle Portal.
This series of actions by the police underscores the alarming issue of vehicle thefts, where criminals not only steal vehicles but also engage in sophisticated methods to obscure their tracks. The police likened the re-registration attempts to a form of money laundering, indicating just how deeply entrenched and organized these syndicates can be. The evidence of vehicle re-registration intends to obliterate any identification of the vehicle’s true past, which complicates recovery efforts. The successful arrest of a gang member marks a significant breakthrough, hinting at the possibility of unraveling further activities of such syndicates.
Furthermore, the police have reiterated their commitment to working in collaboration with other relevant agencies, ensuring the security and safety of citizens’ vehicular assets while preventing vehicle-related crimes on a wider scale. The IGP’s directives highlight a robust approach to law enforcement, wherein the combination of technology and inter-agency cooperation forms the backbone of strategies designed to serve the public better. Enhancing vehicle security through mechanisms like the e-CMR provides citizens with a greater sense of protection against potential theft and fraud.
In conclusion, the proactive measures initiated by the Inspector General of Police illustrate a determined stance against vehicle-related crimes within the country. The investigations following the alerts on stolen vehicles not only aid in recovering assets for victims but also serve as a warning to those engaged in criminal activities that the police are more vigilant and technologically equipped than ever before. With ongoing investigations and future collaborations, there is hope for a more secure environment for vehicle owners, and a concerted effort to dismantle syndicates involved in vehicle theft and other related crimes.
