In a ground-breaking use of technology, the Kano State Police Command has successfully recovered two stolen vehicles, thanks to the advanced tracking capabilities of the Electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR) platform. The vehicles, a 2014 Toyota Corolla and a Mercedes Benz C300, were stolen in separate incidents but were traced back to their locations using the e-CMR, marking a significant breakthrough in crime-fighting within the region.
The recovery of these vehicles was announced by the police in a statement released on Friday, with Abdullahi Kiyawa, the police spokesperson, detailing the operation’s success. Kiyawa said that the stolen vehicles were located after the police traced key information through the digital system that links vehicle registration details with a national database.
An International Crime Wave Involves The Two Stolen Vehicles
The first theft occurred on January 1, 2025, when two thieves approached a car dealer in Zuba, Abuja, to test drive a Toyota Corolla. According to Kiyawa, the criminals, after showing genuine interest in the car, turned violent during the test drive. “The suspects brandished a pistol, threatened the victim, and then drove away with the vehicle, including the original documents and two keys,” Kiyawa explained. This alarming crime was made more concerning by the fact that the criminals also managed to escape with crucial vehicle paperwork, a rarity in most car theft cases.
Just a few days later, on January 4, 2025, another vehicle, a Mercedes Benz C300, was stolen in Kano. This time, the car was parked in front of the Luxirian Event Center at Nassarawa GRA. The owner, who resides on Hadejia Road in Kano, had left the vehicle unattended for a short time, only to find that it had vanished when he returned.
In both cases, the stolen cars had no immediate leads, but Kiyawa stated that the quick action of the Kano police, with support from the e-CMR system, helped close the gap. “After a thorough review of data from the e-CMR platform, we were able to trace both vehicles to separate locations,” he said.
Recovery Across State Lines
The breakthrough came when the e-CMR platform provided critical data that led police officers to both stolen cars. According to Kiyawa, the Toyota Corolla was discovered in Bauchi State, near the old airport, while the Mercedes Benz was recovered in Shagari Quarters in Kano. These locations were previously unknown to investigators, but the integration of the e-CMR system made it possible for police to track the vehicles.
“This recovery marks a significant victory for our team,” Kiyawa added. “It showcases how the e-CMR platform is transforming the way we combat vehicle theft and track down criminals. It’s a powerful tool that provides us with valuable real-time data, which is crucial in solving cases like these.”
The swift recovery of both cars has raised the profile of the e-CMR platform, which allows citizens to register their vehicles and provides law enforcement with real-time access to vehicle data. The police spokesperson also took the opportunity to encourage Nigerian motorists to register their vehicles on the platform, emphasizing its vital role in preventing and solving crimes.
“A New Era of Crime Fighting”
The police commissioner in Kano expressed his appreciation for the detectives’ work, calling the recovery a demonstration of effective law enforcement. “The officers involved in this case have set an example of professionalism and efficiency. Their determination has led to a swift resolution of these theft cases, showing that our commitment to fighting crime through technology is paying off,” the commissioner said in a statement.
This technological leap represents a new era for policing in Nigeria. With the e-CMR platform, Nigerian police can now monitor and recover stolen vehicles more quickly, reducing the number of crimes that go unsolved. “The command remains dedicated to maintaining public safety and using innovative technologies to ensure justice is served,” Kiyawa added.
In addition to the vehicle recovery, the Kano police are continuing their investigation into the two thefts. Authorities are working tirelessly to gather more evidence and identify the suspects involved. “Investigations are ongoing, and we are optimistic that further developments will soon lead to the arrest of the individuals responsible,” Kiyawa confirmed.
Public Support and Community Involvement
The police are also seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and apprehending any individuals involved in these crimes. Kiyawa urged citizens to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities or potential criminals to the nearest police station.
“Anyone with information regarding criminal activities or suspects is urged to report it immediately,” he said. “The public’s continued support is vital in ensuring that we can continue to make our communities safer.”
For those wishing to assist, the police have provided several contact numbers for direct communication, including 08032419754, 08123821575, and 09029292926. By encouraging citizens to become more involved in the fight against crime, the Kano police hope to build stronger partnerships with local communities and continue their fight against car theft and other criminal activities.
Looking Ahead: The Role of Technology in Policing
As the digital age continues to influence all aspects of society, the Kano police have demonstrated how cutting-edge technology can be harnessed to tackle crime. The e-CMR platform’s role in recovering stolen vehicles is a clear sign that technological advancements are becoming indispensable tools for law enforcement in Nigeria.
In an era where criminal activity is evolving, Nigeria’s police forces are proving that embracing technology is essential for staying one step ahead of the perpetrators. The use of systems like the e-CMR not only helps recover stolen property but also plays a crucial role in securing a safer future for all Nigerians.
