Police Find Stolen Car in Rivers After Five Years

The Gombe State Police Command has found a Toyota Highlander that was stolen in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, almost five years ago. This discovery happened during a routine vehicle check in Gombe.

The police announced the recovery on June 8, 2026. Officers from the State Intelligence Department teamed up with officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps at the Gombe State Internal Revenue Service licence office. They noticed some issues during a vehicle data check and upload.

Buhari Abdullahi, the Police Public Relations Officer, shared details in a statement on Saturday. He said the vehicle, a Toyota Highlander with registration number FH823PHC, engine number 1MZ-11433787, and chassis number JTEGF21AX30073604, was believed to be stolen.

"Preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle belongs to Mrs Cecilia A. Duru of Akwaka Lane, Rumuodumaya, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and was stolen on September 17, 2021," Abdullahi said in the statement.

Investigation Details

The police spokesman also mentioned that investigations traced the vehicle's movements beyond Nigeria's borders.

"Further investigation traced the movement of the vehicle to the Niger Republic in 2023. It was later brought back into Nigeria through Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State on October 17, 2025. After that, it was reportedly sold in Kaduna State before being brought to Gombe State for re-registration," he explained.

Abdullahi added that the police are working hard to find and arrest everyone involved in the theft and the movement of the vehicle across states and borders.

"Investigation is ongoing, as efforts are being intensified to identify and apprehend those involved. Further developments will be communicated in due course," he stated.

The command reassured residents that it is dedicated to protecting lives and property. They also advised anyone looking to buy a vehicle to check ownership documents and vehicle records with the proper authorities before finalizing any deal.

"The Command assures members of the public of its commitment to protecting lives and property and urges citizens to exercise due diligence when purchasing vehicles by verifying ownership documents and vehicle records through the appropriate authorities," the statement concluded.