The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has raised concerns about West Africa becoming a major hub in the global trade of stolen vehicles. According to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, this illegal network spans continents, including Europe, North America, South America, and Australia.

Speaking in Lagos on Tuesday while showcasing seized vehicles, Adeniyi highlighted the Customs Service’s intensified efforts over the past months to combat vehicle trafficking syndicates operating within Nigeria’s borders.

“INTERPOL reports indicate that West Africa has become a significant destination for stolen vehicles globally,” Adeniyi stated. He added that the challenge is particularly acute in Nigeria. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics revealed that between 2013 and 2015, only 54% of stolen vehicles were recovered, underscoring the complexity and scale of the criminal enterprise.

In response, the Customs Service launched Operation Hot Wheels, a targeted enforcement initiative aimed at intercepting stolen vehicles smuggled through Nigeria’s ports and borders. This operation, a joint effort with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Canadian authorities, leverages intelligence sharing, coordinated surveillance, and strategic interventions.

Adeniyi stressed that the rise in stolen vehicles entering the region threatens the legitimate automotive market, strains security infrastructure, and results in significant economic losses. He pointed out that intelligence from global law enforcement agencies confirms Nigeria as a preferred destination for stolen vehicles, damaging the country’s international reputation and leading to increased security spending.

During an intelligence-led operation at Area II Command, Onne Port, Customs officials intercepted a 40ft container (registration number: MRSU-5028706) declared to contain used vehicles and auto spare parts. A physical inspection revealed undeclared items, including three 2021 Toyota Highlander vehicles, two navy blue and one red. Collaboration with Operation Screen West Africa and INTERPOL confirmed two of these vehicles were stolen from Canada.

Additional high-value recoveries included:

• A Mercedes-Benz G550 and a Range Rover Sport, valued at ₦506 million, intercepted at Trinity Axis in Lagos.
• A Mercedes-AMG GT and Lamborghini Huracan, worth ₦630 million.
• A Rolls Royce intercepted in Victoria Island, valued at ₦231 million.
• A 2019 Lamborghini (₦239 million) and two Range Rovers (2023 & 2018 models) valued at ₦267 million, seized in Lekki.

Adeniyi explained that these incidents expose the sophisticated tactics employed by criminal syndicates, such as false declarations and concealment in legitimate cargo, to bypass detection systems.

The Customs Service’s success in these operations is attributed to enhanced risk management systems and strengthened collaboration with international partners, including INTERPOL. The integration of international databases with the NCS system has been instrumental in swiftly identifying and intercepting stolen vehicles.

Adeniyi further warned about the far-reaching economic consequences of this illicit trade, which undermines Nigeria’s legitimate automotive market and President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms aimed at bolstering international commerce. He noted that resources allocated to combat this crime could otherwise support trade facilitation and economic growth programs.

In a final note, Adeniyi confirmed that the recovered luxury vehicles will be returned to Canada, in line with international collaboration efforts.

The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has voiced concerns about the Nigerian Army’s financial challenges and the lack of housing for its growing personnel.

Speaking on Monday during a condolence visit by the Senate Committee on Army, led by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, Oluyede emphasized the strain caused by recruiting approximately 15,000 personnel annually without corresponding support for their accommodation.

He highlighted the diminishing resources allocated to the Army despite the increasing recruitment numbers and warned that soldiers might face housing shortages if Nigeria’s security challenges are resolved.

Lt. Gen. Oluyede appealed to the National Assembly to address these issues in the upcoming budget.

He stated, “Nigeria belongs to all of us, and without your support, it will be very difficult to secure the country. Over the years, the resources allocated to the Nigerian Army have been dwindling. This is a critical opportunity to advocate for increased attention to our needs, especially housing for our recruits.”

He expressed concern about the future of personnel, noting that the lack of accommodation poses a significant challenge. “If we manage to tackle the security challenges, where will these soldiers retire to? This keeps me up at night,” he added.

The Army Chief also called for investments in technological advancements to enhance the military’s effectiveness in combating security threats.

Senator Yar’Adua, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, encouraged the Acting COAS to uphold the legacy of his predecessor, the late Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. Describing Lagbaja as a practical, honest, and knowledgeable officer, Yar’Adua commended his leadership in improving the country’s security and pledged the Senate’s support to Oluyede in continuing those achievements.

The Senator also urged the Army to integrate more technology into its operations to better tackle terrorism and other security challenges.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Air Component, part of Operation Hadin Kai, has successfully eliminated several terrorists and destroyed a key food storage facility in the Lake Chad Basin. The operation targeted a terrorist stronghold at Jubillaram, located in the Tumbuns area, following strategic intelligence gathering.

Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, disclosed in a statement on Monday that the operation took place on November 23. The targeted location, identified through precise intelligence, served as both a critical food depot and a hideout for terrorist commanders and fighters.

The operation was prompted by intelligence linking the terrorists to recent violent attacks, including the assault on troops in Kareto on November 16. In response, NAF fighter jets launched a targeted airstrike, destroying key structures used for storing supplies and neutralizing numerous insurgents on-site. “Mop-up operations using cannons ensured the complete elimination of fleeing hostile elements,” Akinboyewa said.

The success of the mission was attributed to several days of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations, which identified terrorist structures hidden in dense vegetation. The destruction of the food depot and the elimination of key fighters have significantly disrupted the logistical capabilities of the terrorists, hindering their ability to plan and execute future attacks.

Akinboyewa emphasized that the mission underscored the NAF’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding the nation, both independently and in coordination with ground forces. He reiterated the Air Force’s determination to continue with relentless operations until all those threatening Nigeria’s security are brought to justice.