The Traffic

Luxury Heist Unveiled: Nigeria Customs Returns 21 Stolen Vehicles Worth ₦1.8 Billion to Canada

By Achimi muktar 

In a dramatic turn of events, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has successfully returned 21 stolen luxury vehicles valued at over ₦1.8 billion to Canada. The vehicles, smuggled into Nigeria by a sophisticated criminal syndicate, were intercepted following a high-stakes investigation under Operation Hot Wheels.

At a press briefing in Lagos, the Comptroller General of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, shed light on the growing menace of stolen vehicle trafficking and its far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s economy and international reputation.

Nigeria’s Hub for Stolen Cars

Adeniyi revealed that Nigeria has become a major hub for stolen vehicles in West Africa, with syndicates exploiting the country’s ports and borders to traffic cars from regions such as Europe, North America, and South America.

“This trend undermines our legitimate automotive market, strains our security infrastructure, and damages Nigeria’s international reputation,” Adeniyi stated. Citing alarming statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics, he highlighted that only 54% of stolen vehicles were recovered between 2013 and 2015, underscoring the scale of the challenge.

Impact on Tinubu’s Economic Reforms

The Customs boss emphasized that the surge in vehicle trafficking threatens President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms aimed at making Nigeria a trusted hub for international commerce. “Illicit trade in stolen vehicles disrupts trust and harms ongoing reforms that seek to position Nigeria as a reliable economic partner on the global stage,” he explained.

Operation Hot Wheels: A Multi-National Crackdown

To tackle the problem, the NCS launched Operation Hot Wheels, a collaborative initiative with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Canadian authorities, and other international law enforcement agencies. The operation utilized intelligence sharing, advanced surveillance, and tactical interdiction to dismantle vehicle trafficking networks.

Adeniyi disclosed that smugglers deployed sophisticated tactics, including falsified cargo declarations and containerized shipments, to conceal stolen vehicles.

In one notable operation at Onne Port, Rivers State, Customs officers intercepted a container declared to hold used vehicles and spare parts. However, upon inspection, the shipment contained three undeclared 2021 Toyota Highlanders, two of which were confirmed stolen from Canada.

The Spoils of Crime: Luxury Cars Recovered

The operation also uncovered high-value vehicles smuggled across Nigeria. Among the luxury recoveries were:

Lagos: A Lamborghini Huracan and a Mercedes-AMG GT worth ₦630.8 million.

Victoria Island: A Rolls-Royce valued at ₦231.8 million and a 2019 Lamborghini worth ₦239.1 million.

Lekki: Two Range Rovers (2023 and 2018 models) collectively worth ₦267.1 million.

Trinity Axis, Lagos: A Mercedes-Benz G550 and a Range Rover Sport valued at ₦506.8 million.

Global Collaboration and Future Plans

Acknowledging the international collaboration that made the operation a success, Adeniyi commended the Canadian authorities and other partners for their role in recovering and returning the vehicles. “This achievement signals our commitment to protecting Nigeria’s borders and restoring trust in global trade,” he added.

The NCS vowed to intensify efforts in combating illegal smuggling activities and called on citizens to remain vigilant, ensuring that the country does not become a safe haven for criminal enterprises.

A New Dawn for Nigeria’s Integrity

The return of these luxury vehicles represents a significant step towards reclaiming Nigeria’s integrity in the international arena. With continued collaboration and unwavering commitment, the Customs Service aims to dismantle trafficking networks and safeguard the country’s economic and security landscape.