The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a transnational gang specializing in stolen vehicle trafficking, recovering 21 exotic cars worth over N1.8 billion during operations in Lagos and Onne.
Speaking at the handover ceremony of the vehicles to a representative of the Canadian government in Lagos on Tuesday, Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, revealed that INTERPOL had identified West Africa as a hub for transnational vehicle theft, with stolen cars smuggled from Canada, the U.S., and Europe.
To improve Nigeria’s international image and foster collaboration with the global community, the NCS officially handed over the vehicles, including luxury models like Rolls Royce, Lamborghini Huracán, Mercedes-AMG, and Range Rover, for shipment back to Canada.
Adeniyi explained that the syndicate used falsified documents to smuggle the stolen vehicles into Nigeria.
However, the recently launched Operation Hot Wheels, comprising officials from the NCS, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and Canadian authorities, led to the recovery of the vehicles.
He praised the partnership with the Canadian government and the EFCC, emphasizing its success in dismantling the syndicate and curbing illicit activities.
He said: “The Nigeria Customs Service has over the past several months, intensified its operations against vehicle trafficking syndicates operating within the country’s borders.
“According to INTERPOL reports, West Africa has emerged as a notable destination hub in the global stolen vehicle trade network, which extends from Europe and North America to as far as South America and Australia. This challenge is particularly acute in Nigeria,” he said
Highlighting data from the National Bureau of Statistics, the CGC said available data from MBS shows that between 2013-2015, only 54 percent of stolen vehicles were recovered, noting that it shows the scale and sophistication of this criminal enterprise.
“The growing incidence of stolen vehicles finding their way into our region has become a matter of serious concern, as it not only undermines our legitimate automotive market but also strains our security infrastructure.
“Recent intelligence from international law enforcement agencies further confirms that our region has become a preferred destination for internationally stolen vehicles, a trend that not only tarnishes Nigeria’s international image but also impacts our economy through substantial revenue losses and increased security spending.
“The economic implications of this criminal enterprise are far-reaching and deeply concerning. Beyond damaging our legitimate automotive trade sector and international business relationships, it undermines President Tinubu’s economic reform agenda that aims to position Nigeria as a trusted hub for international commerce.
The Service, Adeniyi said: “is forced to divert substantial resources towards enhanced border management and rigorous verification processes – resources that should ideally be channelled towards trade facilitation initiatives and economic growth programs. This criminal activity not only strains our operational capacity but also threatens the government’s efforts to attract foreign investment and establish Nigeria as a reliable partner in global trade.”
In response to these challenges, the CGC added that, “the Nigeria Customs Service initiated Operation Hot Wheels, a targeted enforcement initiative aimed at disrupting the flow of stolen vehicles into Nigeria through our ports and borders. Launched as a collaborative effort between the Nigeria Customs Service, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and Canadian authorities, the operation focused on intelligence sharing, coordinated surveillance, and strategic interdiction.
“The operation’s primary objectives included identifying and intercepting stolen vehicles, dismantling trafficking networks, and strengthening international cooperation in combating transnational vehicle theft. This multiagency approach was designed to leverage the unique capabilities and jurisdictional advantages of each participating organization,” he said.
Adeniyi said further that through enhanced intelligence gathering and strategic deployment of resources, officers at various commands have successfully intensified surveillance operations while ensuring minimal disruption to legitimate trade flows.
He revealed that a recent intelligence-led operation at Area II Command, Onne Port, led to the interception of a 1X40ft container (MRSU-5028706) that was declared to contain used vehicles and auto spare parts.
According to him, physical examination of the container revealed three undeclared 2021 Toyota Highlander vehicles – two in Navy Blue and one in Red color. Through collaboration with Operation Screen West Africa (OSWA) and Interpol, two of these vehicles were confirmed stolen from Canada.
“Simultaneously, the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ demonstrated exceptional vigilance with strategic interdictions at various locations in Lagos, including: One Mercedes-Benz G550 with Range Rover Sport, valued at N506.8 million, intercepted along Trinity Axis in Lagos. One Mercedes-AMG GT with Lamborghini Huracan, valued at N630.8 million.
“One Rolls Royce intercepted at Victoria Island, valued at N231.8 million, one Lamborghini 2019 Model recovered at Victoria Island, valued at N239.1 million, Two Range Rovers (2023 & 2018 Models) intercepted along Lekki, valued at N267.1 million, at Tincan Island Command Operations Additional luxury vehicles intercepted through intelligence-led operations including three (3) Toyota Highlander 2021 Models” he explained.
He stated that these recoveries highlight both the sophistication of transnational vehicle theft syndicates and their evolving concealment methods.
According to him, the criminals now employ various tactics, including false declarations and use of containerized shipments, attempting to circumvent customs detection systems. He added that their system has exposed how stolen vehicles are being smuggled through nation’s ports by the gang, using legitimate cargo to cover-up their crime.
Nigeria, Adeniyi said, “stands resolute against stolen vehicles and any form of illicit trade. We will continue to work tirelessly with our
nation. authorities, and other national and international agencies -whose collaboration
international partners to protect our economy and preserve our national integrity.”
