The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi on Tuesday handed over 21 imported stolen vehicles to Canadian authorities in Lagos. This is even as the Customs CG displayed arms and ammunition intercepted inside a luxurious bus coming from Aba in Abia to Lagos.
Addressing newsmen during the handing over of the seized vehicles, the Customs CG revealed that 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.
According to the Customs CG, “Over the past several months, we have intensified our
operations against vehicle trafficking syndicates operating within our borders”.
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, according to INTERPOL reports.
“This challenge is particularly acute in Nigeria – National Bureau of Statistics data shows that between 2013-2015, only 54% of stolen vehicles were recovered, highlighting 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.”
On shared intelligence with international partners, the Customs CG stated, “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 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 programmes. 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 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 multi-agency approach was designed to leverage the unique capabilities and jurisdictional advantages of each participating organisation.
“Through enhanced intelligence gathering and strategic deployment of resources, our officers at various commands have successfully intensified surveillance operations while ensuring minimal disruption to legitimate trade flows.”
Giving g a breakdown of some of the vehicles seized, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi explained 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. A physical examination of the container revealed three undeclared 2021 Toyota Highlander vehicles – two in Navy Blue and one in Red colour.
“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; 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 were intercepted through intelligence-led operations including three (3) Toyota, Highlander 2021 Models.
“These recoveries highlight both the sophistication of transnational vehicle theft syndicates and their evolving concealment methods. The criminals now employ various tactics, including false declarations and use of containerised shipments, attempting to circumvent our detection systems. Notably, the operation exposed how stolen vehicles are being smuggled through our ports using legitimate cargo as cover.
“The success of these operations stems from our enhanced risk management system and strengthened collaboration with international partners. Working closely with Operation Screen West Africa (OSWA), Interpol, and other international agencies, we have significantly improved our capacity to identify and intercept stolen vehicles. The interface between our systems and international databases has proven crucial in establishing the status of suspicious vehicles and enabling swift intervention.
“Operation Hot Wheels adds to our growing portfolio of collaborative successes in 2024, a year we have strategically dedicated to strengthening partnerships within the global Customs community. The operation’s success
stems from a seamless collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service, the EFCC, and Canadian authorities, is evident that international cooperation is crucial in dismantling sophisticated criminal networks.
“This approach aligns with our commitment to adopting international best practices and leveraging shared intelligence to enhance our operational capabilities, serving as a template for future collaborations and reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a committed partner in the global fight against transnational crime.”
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