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.
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