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Vows to use electronic/ICT strategies to curb crime
From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force on Thursday said it recovered a total of 1,519 stolen vehicles across the country through its electronic registry portal (e-CMR) in the last year.
The police stated that of these, 52 were recovered in January 2025 alone, while many stolen vehicles are currently under investigation for recovery.
The Electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR) is a digital repository of licensed motor vehicles in the country, as provided for in the law.
Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi made this known at a media briefing in Abuja.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the police to deploying e-policing strategies such as the Police Rescue Me App, the Police VGS Emergency App, and the reactivation of the Central Motor Registry Portal (e-CMR) to curb vehicle-related crimes. He emphasised that integrating electronic and information communication technology (ICT) would enhance the force’s crime-fighting capabilities and create a more effective policing system nationwide.
Adejobi highlighted the police’s successes in combating vehicle theft, stating:
- Over 400,000 vehicles have been registered in the e-CMR database with information provided by genuine owners.
- A total of 1,011 stolen vehicles have been reported on the platform.
- In October 2024, three vehicles reported stolen on the platform were recovered in different parts of the country. One was handed over to its elated owner at the Force Headquarters.
- Recently, two stolen vehicles were recovered in Kano State through the e-CMR platform.
- A total of 5,877 vehicles with conflicting information are currently under investigation.
“I am pleased to inform Nigerians that the Force is closing in on recovering seven stolen vehicles reported on the e-CMR platform. This is in addition to several other recent recoveries,” Adejobi said.
He provided a specific case: a Toyota Highlander stolen in 2021 was recovered last week in Enugu State and is currently in police custody in Abuja.
“The vehicle was stolen on 13th January 2021. Two years later, the rightful owner learned about the Nigeria Police’s Stolen Vehicle Report Portal and reported the theft. The vehicle was later sold to a buyer in Kano, who registered the details through the e-CMR platform. The system flagged it as stolen, leading to its recovery in Enugu State. The seller, receiver, and buyer will soon face trial. The owner is here with us and has gladly opted to speak to the press about his experience.”
Adejobi also revealed that a USSD module is being developed to help Nigerians verify the status of vehicles. The feature will be deployed once connectivity with mobile telecom operators is finalised.
To provide vehicle information to the Nigeria Police, visit:
https://cmris.npf.gov.ng
To report a stolen vehicle, visit:
https://reportcmr.npf.gov.ng
“The Inspector General of Police has reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force will continue to invest in and adopt modern technological solutions to combat crime effectively. Our focus remains on using every available tool to ensure the safety of our citizens and the protection of their properties. The Force encourages citizens to take advantage of these technological advancements and report any suspicious activities to aid in our collective fight against crime.”