Rivers Government to Launch Vehicle Tracking System to Tackle Rising Car Theft
The Rivers State Government says it will soon roll out a digital vehicle tracking system designed to combat car theft and improve security across the state.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara announced the plan on Thursday while receiving the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, at Government House in Port Harcourt.
He said the initiative is being developed in partnership with the state Ministry of Transport and is aimed at helping security agencies respond swiftly to cases of stolen vehicles.
According to the governor, once operational, the system will allow authorities to monitor vehicle movements in real time, making it easier to recover stolen cars and deter criminal activity.
Governor Fubara said the introduction of the vehicle tracking platform aligns with his administration’s broader strategy to enhance public safety and strengthen inter-agency coordination.
“This system will help us respond faster when vehicles are stolen and improve our overall security network,” he said.
He also pledged to increase logistical support to the FRSC by providing more patrol vehicles and improving accommodation facilities for its personnel in Rivers State.
The governor, however, expressed concern over the shortage of police officers nationwide, describing it as a major challenge to maintaining effective law enforcement.
Fubara noted that the problem is compounded by the deteriorating condition of many police training schools across the country.
He said his membership of the Presidential Committee on the Overhaul of Police Training Institutions reflects his commitment to tackling these institutional weaknesses.
“The President has approved the recruitment of 30,000 new police personnel, which is commendable,” Fubara said. “But without adequate training facilities, their effectiveness will remain limited.”
In his remarks, FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed praised the Rivers State Government for its continued partnership with the corps.
He revealed that road crashes still claim around 2,000 lives annually in Nigeria, despite sustained enforcement and safety campaigns.
Mohammed said the FRSC is expanding preventive measures, including public sensitisation and town hall engagements, to further reduce accidents on Nigerian roads.
“We are focusing on proactive safety education and community engagement to curb avoidable road traffic deaths,” the Corps Marshal added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed that his administration will continue to work closely with federal agencies to enhance safety, security, and transportation efficiency in the state.
