FRSC Foils Vehicle Fraud in Gombe, Recovers Car Stolen Since 2021

By Jamila Muhammad, Gombe

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has intercepted an attempted vehicle fraud at its National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) office in Gombe, leading to the recovery of a car reported missing over four years ago.

The development was made known in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the Corps Public Education Officer, Mr. Osondu Ohaeri.

Mr. Ohaeri explained that the incident occurred on April 16 during a routine number plate revalidation exercise when an applicant sought to convert a vehicle’s registration documents. He said officials became suspicious after detecting inconsistencies in the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) provided.

According to him, a detailed verification process exposed irregularities in the records, prompting officers to carry out a physical inspection of the vehicle. The inspection further confirmed discrepancies between the VIN documents and the chassis engraving.

He added that operatives deployed the NVIS database to trace the vehicle’s original owner, identified as Mrs. Cecilia Duru, who was subsequently contacted.

“The rightful owner confirmed that the vehicle had been stolen in Port Harcourt in 2021 and provided credible documents to support her claim,” Ohaeri said.

He noted that the individual who presented the vehicle insisted it was purchased through a third party, a claim that raised further suspicion among officials.

The FRSC spokesperson said the corps acted promptly by coordinating necessary actions that led to the recovery of the vehicle, preventing it from being illegally transferred or concealed.

He emphasised that the successful operation highlights the growing efficiency of the NVIS platform and the corps’ strengthened intelligence capabilities in tackling vehicle-related crimes.

Ohaeri advised prospective car buyers to thoroughly verify ownership details before completing transactions, urging the public to rely on official platforms to avoid being defrauded.

He also reiterated the FRSC’s commitment to enhancing transparency, improving accountability, and ensuring safety on Nigerian roads.

Inuwa, Fintiri Drive: Regional Development as Key Projects Take Off in Gombe

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya on Tuesday received his Adamawa State counterpart, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, for the commissioning of major infrastructure projects in Balanga Local Government Area, in a move seen as strengthening regional cooperation and grassroots development.

The visit was marked by the inauguration of key road projects, including the 33-kilometre Ture–Sabon Layi Awak–Dogon Ruwa–Gelengu–Balanga Gari road, alongside a connecting route to Bakasi–Balansani–Dasan Buzu, as well as the Talasse–Degri–Bembelem road. Fintiri, who performed the commissioning, described the projects as impactful and people-orientated.

“Governor Inuwa Yahaya is a focused, visionary and God-fearing leader who has consistently placed the needs of his people at the heart of governance,” Fintiri said.

“From what I have seen, these are projects that will stand the test of time and continue to serve communities for many years.”

He noted that the road networks would ease movement and stimulate economic activities across communities, adding that Adamawa State is open to deeper collaboration with Gombe, particularly in linking border communities to enhance trade and social ties.

Fintiri specifically pointed out the possible connection of communities in Shelleng, Adamawa State, to those in Gombe through the Borgu–Dala Waja–Wala Lunguda corridor, describing it as a strategic step toward boosting regional integration.

Beyond roads, the two governors also commissioned a Model Almajiri (Tsangaya) School in Bakassi, a project aimed at expanding access to education while integrating traditional Islamic learning into formal systems.

Fintiri commended the initiative, noting its importance in addressing out-of-school children’s challenges.

The visit also featured an inspection of the Talasse solar off-grid power project, designed to provide electricity to communities that have remained in darkness for over a decade.

Speaking during the inspection, the Director-General of the Joint Project Development Agency, Mahmoud Yusuf, said the intervention would transform the energy landscape of the area.

“For more than 15 years, Talasse and neighbouring communities have had no access to electricity. This project will change that reality,” he said, explaining that the facility is expected to generate one megawatt of power and serve over 30 communities and about 6,000 households.

According to the project contractor, Halis Mohammed, the work has reached about 80 per cent completion, with solar panels largely installed and battery systems undergoing final safety checks.

He added that the plant has a storage capacity of 2.6 megawatt-hours and is designed to provide round-the-clock electricity, with room for future expansion.

As part of their engagements, the governors paid homage to the Bala Waja, His Royal Highness Alhaji Mohammed Danjuma Mohammed, who praised both leaders for their commitment to inclusive governance and development.

The traditional ruler also conferred on Fintiri the title of Bachama Waja, meaning Ambassador of the Waja Chiefdom, in recognition of his contributions to unity and regional cooperation.

In their remarks, both governors reaffirmed their resolve to deepen partnerships between their states, with a focus on infrastructure development and economic growth, signalling a growing alliance aimed at improving the livelihoods of their people.