The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has officially returned 21 stolen luxury vehicles, valued at over ₦8.1 billion, to the Canadian government.
At the handover ceremony, the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Wale Adeniyi, explained that the cars, including high-end brands like Rolls Royce, Lamborghini Huracán, Mercedes-AMG, and Range Rover, were recovered through “Operation Hot Wheels.”
This initiative involves collaboration between the NCS, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and Canadian authorities.
Adeniyi disclosed that international syndicates were smuggling stolen vehicles from Canada, the United States, and Europe into West Africa, often using fake documents. He commended the effectiveness of the joint operation, which uncovered the cars and disrupted the criminal network.
“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,” Adeniyi stated.
He added that the growing trade in stolen cars damages Nigeria’s automotive market, undermines security efforts, and harms the country’s reputation on the global stage.
“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,” he said.
The CGC detailed the economic toll of the illegal trade, citing substantial revenue losses and increased security costs. Between 2013 and 2015, only 54 per cent of stolen vehicles were recovered, highlighting the scale of the problem.
Through enhanced intelligence and surveillance, the NCS has intensified its crackdown on car trafficking.
For instance, an inspection at Onne Port led to the discovery of three undeclared 2021 Toyota Highlanders in a container falsely declared as holding used vehicles and spare parts. Two of the vehicles were confirmed stolen from Canada through collaboration with INTERPOL.
Other high-profile recoveries in Lagos included a Mercedes-Benz G550 and a Range Rover Sport, valued at ₦506.8 million; a Mercedes-AMG GT and a Lamborghini Huracán, worth ₦630.8 million; and a Rolls Royce valued at ₦231.8 million.
“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 include three Toyota Highlander 2021 Models,” he explained.
Adeniyi also highlighted the sophisticated tactics used by smugglers, such as false cargo declarations and container shipments, to evade detection. He noted that the collaboration between agencies had been instrumental in intercepting the vehicles and dismantling the syndicates involved.
Operation Hot Wheels is part of a broader effort to curb the trafficking of stolen vehicles and strengthen international cooperation. Adeniyi emphasised the importance of continued vigilance, as the NCS balances its enforcement duties with facilitating legitimate trade.
