The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced digitalization of Central Motor Registry (CMR) to enhance national security and combat vehicle-related crimes.
Announcing the initiative at the Lagos State Police Command, Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said it represents a crucial milestone in NPF’s commitment to public safety and combating motor vehicle-related crimes.
There has been an upsurge in vehicle- related offences, including car theft, snatching, kidnapping, carjacking, hit-and-run incidents, largely attributed to the use of unregistered vehicles and tinted windows, among other factors, which posed significant challenges across the country.
The police said the worrisome trend prompted a strategic response from the NPF, leading to the deployment of specialised border forces, aimed at curbing these criminal activities. Hence, the NPF rejigged CMR, a vital initiative that has played a pivotal role in addressing the challenges.
The CMR has a rich history, spanning over six decades, established in 1958 to combat vehicle-related crimes and protect national security.
As an invaluable repository of motor vehicle data and intelligence, the CMR has consistently, though limited, fulfilled its mandate by facilitating investigations, enhanced law enforcement operations, and ensured efficient recovery of stolen vehicles.
“However, recognising the evolving technological landscape and imperative of accessibility and efficiency, the NPF has embarked on a digitalisation journey to further enhance the capabilities of the CMR. This initiative aims to leverage cutting-edge technology to streamline processes, improve data accessibility, and reinforce the fight against vehicle-related crimes, ultimately contributing to the safety and security of our nation.
Since inception of CMR in 2022, Adejobi said the force has received 8,569 requests from 7,513 applicants, comprising 8,497 motor vehicles, 72 motorcycles and tricycles.
“Out of these, 8,466 have been approved, while 103 requests are being processed. Over the past five weeks, the CMR platform has witnessed the registration of 1,244 vehicles, with 234 of them flagged as reported stolen on the platform, while 46 stolen vehicles were recovered during this period.”
Asked about kidnapping in Abuja, Adejobi said: “We have stepped up our intelligence and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has upscale the intelligence bureau to a full-fledged department, headed by a Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG). We have stepped up and worked with intelligence agencies and have arrested over 900 though raids in Abuja.”
