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The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun: A Commitment to Vehicle Recovery and Crime Prevention
In a decisive move to combat vehicle-related crimes, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has initiated an extensive investigation into a second batch of 612 vehicles flagged as stolen on the Electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR) platform. This action, announced by the Force Headquarters, underscores the IGP’s commitment to enhancing public safety and the integrity of vehicular registration in Nigeria.
The e-CMR, launched in July 2024, serves as a sophisticated, real-time online repository for motor vehicle data. Its primary objective is to assist law enforcement agencies in their operational activities while effectively addressing crimes such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery. The platform has already proven its efficacy, as evidenced by the recent recovery of a stolen vehicle initially reported from Abuja. This recovery was made possible when an unsuspecting buyer applied for a Central Motor Registry certificate, triggering an alert that identified the vehicle as stolen.
The police have reported that the vehicle in question had undergone two re-registrations, a tactic employed by criminals to obscure its stolen status. This revelation highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in tracking stolen vehicles and the lengths to which criminal syndicates will go to evade detection.
In addition to the recovery efforts, the IGP has ordered investigations into over 1,610 vehicles with conflicting registration information on the e-CMR platform. This proactive approach aims to dismantle vehicle theft syndicates and restore public confidence in the security of their vehicular assets.
As the police collaborate with other agencies to safeguard citizens’ vehicles across the federation, the recent actions taken by the IGP signal a robust commitment to tackling vehicle-related crimes. The arrest of a member of the theft syndicate further demonstrates the police’s resolve to bring perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety of all citizens.
In conclusion, the initiatives led by Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun reflect a significant step towards enhancing the efficacy of law enforcement in Nigeria, reinforcing the importance of technology in modern policing, and ultimately fostering a safer environment for all.