The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has officially handed over 21 imported stolen vehicles to Canadian authorities in Lagos, as part of an ongoing crackdown on international vehicle trafficking syndicates.

In a separate operation, Adeniyi also showcased arms and ammunition intercepted from a luxurious bus traveling from Aba, Abia to Lagos.

During a press briefing on Tuesday, Adeniyi highlighted the alarming rise of West Africa as a central hub for the global stolen vehicle trade. He explained that the illicit network spans from Europe and North America to regions as distant as South America and Australia. The Customs CG emphasized that recent efforts have significantly intensified to dismantle vehicle trafficking rings operating within Nigeria’s borders.

“The growing trend of stolen vehicles entering our region is a major concern,” Adeniyi said. “Not only does it harm the local automotive market, but it also puts immense pressure on our security infrastructure.”

Referring to recent reports from INTERPOL, Adeniyi underscored the gravity of the situation. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, between 2013 and 2015, only 54% of stolen vehicles were recovered, pointing to the sophistication and scale of these criminal enterprises.

“The continued influx of stolen vehicles into West Africa is a direct threat to our economy,” Adeniyi added. “It undermines our international reputation, causes significant revenue losses, and drives up security-related expenses.”

The Customs CG also praised international law enforcement for their collaborative efforts, revealing that intelligence sharing has been crucial in identifying stolen vehicles making their way into the region. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with global partners to combat this rising threat.

“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.

“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.”

House of Reps want local languages as medium of teaching in Primary, Secondary Schools
House of Reps want local languages as medium of teaching in Primary, Secondary Schools.

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