Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Kwara State Police Command has announced the recovery of a Toyota Matrix vehicle that was stolen from a parking space at Mandate Market in Ilorin, using modern vehicular tracking and remote immobilisation technology. The incident, which occurred on 27 April 2026, was reported to the Anti-Car Theft Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department in Ilorin at about 2:00 p.m.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire‑Adeyemi, the vehicle had been taken from the market parking lot at approximately 11:00 a.m. on the same day. The owner later reported the theft to the police after discovering the car missing. Acting promptly, operatives activated an integrated vehicle tracking and immobilisation system linked to the vehicle’s security device. The technology enabled real‑time geolocation tracking and remote engine shutdown, which the police said greatly enhanced the recovery effort.
“The vehicle’s location was successfully traced to the Jebba Expressway axis, where it was found abandoned by the roadside,” the police statement read. The car had already been driven out of Ilorin towards the Jebba‑Mokwa highway when the tracking system pinpointed its position. Preliminary findings also revealed that the suspects attempted to frustrate identification by altering the vehicle’s registration number, while the original plate number was recovered nearby. The police have secured the Toyota Matrix at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Ilorin for further investigation.
SP Ejire‑Adeyemi said the swift recovery underscores the command’s growing capacity to integrate technology into crime prevention and detection. “Acting promptly, operatives activated an integrated vehicle tracking and immobilisation system linked to the vehicle’s security device. The technology enabled real-time geolocation tracking and remote engine immobilisation, which significantly aided the recovery effort,” she stated. The police have not yet disclosed the identity of the vehicle owner or the make of the tracking device used.
The Kwara State Police Command reiterated its commitment to leveraging modern technology and intelligence‑led policing to combat crime and ensure the safety of lives and property across the state. “Concerted efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrators,” the statement added. The police have asked members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
The successful recovery of the stolen vehicle has been hailed as a model for the deployment of anti‑theft technologies, particularly in commercial and urban centres where car theft has been a recurring challenge. With the suspect still at large, the police are following leads obtained from the tracking data and have intensified patrols along major highways. The case has also drawn attention to the effectiveness of mandatory vehicle tracking installations, which are increasingly being adopted by insurance companies and vehicle financing institutions as a condition for coverage.
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