As the Nigeria Customs Service prepares to hand over the recovered vehicles to Canadian authorities, Adeniyi reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to combating transnational crime.
Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has repatriated 21 high-end vehicles worth over ₦1.8 billion to Canada after uncovering a smuggling operation orchestrated by an international criminal syndicate.
The vehicles, including luxury brands such as Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, and Mercedes-Benz, were recovered as part of a crackdown on stolen vehicle trafficking.
Impact of Stolen Vehicle Trade
Speaking to journalists, the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, highlighted the growing problem of stolen vehicles being smuggled into Nigeria. He noted that the country has become a significant hub for trafficking stolen cars across West Africa, with syndicates exploiting Nigeria’s ports and borders to smuggle vehicles from Europe, North America, and South America.
“This trend undermines our legitimate automotive market, strains our security infrastructure, and damages Nigeria’s international reputation,” Adeniyi said. He also warned that the illicit trade threatens President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms aimed at transforming Nigeria into a trusted hub for global commerce.
Operation Hot Wheels: Combating Smuggling Networks
To address the challenge, 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 leveraged intelligence sharing, surveillance, and interdiction to dismantle smuggling networks.
Adeniyi revealed that during the operation, customs officers intercepted a container at Onne Port in Rivers State. Although declared to contain used vehicles and spare parts, a physical inspection uncovered three undeclared 2021 Toyota Highlanders, two of which were confirmed as stolen from Canada.
Additional high-value recoveries included:
- A Lamborghini Huracan and Mercedes-AMG GT worth ₦630.8 million, seized in Lagos.
- A Rolls-Royce valued at ₦231.8 million and a 2019 Lamborghini worth ₦239.1 million, recovered in Victoria Island.
- Two Range Rovers (2023 and 2018 models) valued at ₦267.1 million, intercepted in Lekki.
- A Mercedes-Benz G550 and a Range Rover Sport worth ₦506.8 million, seized along the Trinity Axis in Lagos.
- Global Collaboration and Advanced Technology
The success of the operation was credited to enhanced collaboration with international partners, including INTERPOL, and the integration of global databases for quick identification of stolen vehicles. Adeniyi emphasized that Operation Hot Wheels demonstrated the power of partnerships in dismantling transnational crime networks.
“It is a template for future collaborations that will strengthen Nigeria’s position as a reliable partner in global trade and law enforcement,” he stated.
A Commitment to National Integrity
As the NCS prepares to hand over the recovered vehicles to Canadian authorities, Adeniyi reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to combating 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 also praised the dedication and professionalism of Customs officers, whose efforts have been crucial in curbing smuggling activities. He called for continued investment in modern tools and training to sustain the progress achieved so far.
With Operation Hot Wheels serving as a milestone in 2024, the NCS pledged to deepen global partnerships and enhance its capacity to safeguard Nigeria’s borders against illicit trade.
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