Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have recovered a Toyota Highlander that was reported stolen in Rivers State five years ago after a routine verification exercise in Gombe State.
The recovery was made on June 8, 2026, during a joint operation involving officers from the State Intelligence Department (SID) and the Federal Road Safety Corps at the Gombe State Internal Revenue Service licensing office.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Buhari Abdullahi, the vehicle was flagged during routine vehicle data verification and registration procedures.
The suspicious vehicle, a Toyota Highlander with registration number FH823PHC, was subjected to further scrutiny, which revealed that it had been reported stolen in September 2021.
Vehicle Traced Across Borders
Preliminary investigations identified the registered owner as Cecilia A. Duru of Rumuodumaya, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Detectives subsequently uncovered a complex movement history involving the vehicle. Findings indicated that the SUV was transported to Niger Republic in 2023 before re-entering Nigeria through Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State on October 17, 2025.
Further investigations revealed that the vehicle was later sold in Kaduna State before being moved to Gombe State for re-registration.
Investigation Continues
The Gombe State Police Command has launched a comprehensive investigation aimed at identifying and arresting those involved in the theft and subsequent trafficking of the vehicle.
“Investigation is ongoing, as efforts are being intensified to identify and apprehend those involved,” Abdullahi stated.
Police authorities also used the recovery to warn members of the public against purchasing vehicles without conducting proper verification of ownership documents and registration records.
The command advised prospective buyers to carry out due diligence through relevant government agencies before completing vehicle transactions to avoid acquiring stolen property.
