Kehinde Fajobi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has successfully returned 21 luxury vehicles, valued at over ₦1.8 billion, to Canada after they were stolen and smuggled into the country by a criminal syndicate.
Speaking to journalists, Comptroller General of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, stressed the growing issue of stolen vehicle trafficking in Nigeria and its negative impact on the country’s economy and security.
Adeniyi noted that Nigeria has become a significant hub for stolen vehicles in West Africa, with criminal syndicates exploiting the country’s ports and borders to traffic stolen cars from regions like Europe, North America, and South America.
According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), only 54% of stolen vehicles were recovered between 2013 and 2015, highlighting the scale of the issue.
“This trend undermines our legitimate automotive market, strains our security infrastructure, and damages Nigeria’s international reputation,” Adeniyi said.
He also highlighted the adverse effects the illegal trade has on President Tinubu’s economic reforms, which aim to position Nigeria as a trusted global trade hub.
In response, the NCS launched Operation Hot Wheels, a collaborative initiative with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Canadian authorities, and international law enforcement agencies.
The operation, which focused on intelligence sharing, surveillance, and interdiction, uncovered sophisticated smuggling methods, including false cargo declarations and concealed container shipments.
During an operation at Onne Port in Rivers State, officers intercepted a container declared to contain used vehicles and spare parts.
Upon inspection, they found three undeclared 2021 Toyota Highlanders, two of which were confirmed stolen from Canada.
Other high-value vehicles recovered included a Lamborghini Huracan and a Mercedes-AMG GT, valued at ₦630.8 million, intercepted in Lagos.
A Rolls-Royce valued at ₦231.8 million and a 2019 Lamborghini valued at ₦239.1 million were recovered in Victoria Island.
Two Range Rovers, worth ₦267.1 million, were intercepted in Lekki, while a Mercedes-Benz G550 and a Range Rover Sport, worth ₦506.8 million, were seized along the Trinity Axis in Lagos.
Adeniyi credited the success of the operation to enhanced intelligence sharing and the integration of international databases, which enabled swift identification and recovery of stolen vehicles.
The NCS’s collaboration with INTERPOL and Operation Screen West Africa has significantly boosted Nigeria’s capacity to intercept stolen goods.
“Operation Hot Wheels demonstrates how effective partnerships can dismantle transnational crime networks,” Adeniyi said.
“It is a template for future collaborations that will strengthen Nigeria’s position as a reliable partner in global trade and law enforcement.”
As the NCS prepares to return the vehicles to Canadian authorities, Adeniyi reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to combatting transnational crime.
“Our actions send a clear message: Nigeria will not serve as a transit point for stolen vehicles or any illicit goods. We remain resolute in protecting our economy and national integrity,” he said.
Adeniyi commended Customs officers for their vigilance and professionalism in tackling smuggling and protecting the nation’s borders, stressing the need for continued investment in modern tools and training.