The Nigeria Customs Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ Lagos intercepts a Lagos-bound luxury bus carrying arms and ammunition as the Customs CG Adewale Adeniyi returns multi-billion naira stolen vehicles to Canada
By Oshe Godwin
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has returned 21 stolen luxury vehicles valued at over ₦1.8 billion to Canada. These vehicles, smuggled into Nigeria by a sophisticated criminal network, were recovered through a collaborative international operation.
Addressing the media recently, the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, underscored the rising menace of vehicle theft and its implications for Nigeria’s economy and security. He noted that Nigeria has become a significant hub for stolen vehicles in West Africa, with syndicates exploiting the country’s ports and borders to smuggle vehicles from regions such as Europe, North America, and South America.
Citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics, Adeniyi revealed that about 54 per cent of stolen vehicles were recovered between 2013 and 2015, illustrating the extent of the problem. He warned that this illicit trade undermines the country’s automotive market, strains its security infrastructure, and damages Nigeria’s international reputation.
Adeniyi: “This trend disrupts the legitimate automotive market, jeopardizes security, and hampers President Tinubu’s economic reforms aimed at positioning Nigeria as a trusted global trade hub.”
To combat the syndicates, the NCS initiated what it termed ‘Operation Hot Wheels’, a collaborative effort involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Canadian authorities, and international law enforcement agencies. This operation focused on intelligence sharing, surveillance, and interdiction to disrupt vehicle trafficking networks.
Adeniyi explained that smugglers employed sophisticated techniques, such as false cargo declarations and containerized shipments, to conceal stolen vehicles. For instance, a container intercepted at Onne Port in Rivers State, declared to contain used vehicles and spare parts, was found to house three undeclared 2021 Toyota Highlanders, two of which were stolen from Canada.
High-Value Recoveries
Several high-value vehicles were intercepted during the operation, including a Lamborghini Huracan and a Mercedes-AMG GT valued at ₦630.8 million, seized in Lagos.
A Rolls-Royce worth ₦231.8 million and a 2019 Lamborghini valued at ₦239.1 million, recovered in Victoria Island.
Two Range Rovers (2023 and 2018 models) worth ₦267.1 million, intercepted in Lekki. A Mercedes-Benz G550 and a Range Rover Sport, valued at ₦506.8 million, were confiscated near the Trinity Axis in Lagos.
Speaking further, Adeniyi attributed the success of the operation to enhanced intelligence sharing and the integration of international databases, which enabled swift identification and recovery of stolen vehicles. Partnerships with INTERPOL and Operation Screen West Africa were instrumental in dismantling the trafficking networks.
“Operation Hot Wheels demonstrates how effective partnerships can dismantle transnational crime networks,” Adeniyi noted. “This initiative sets a benchmark for future collaborations to strengthen Nigeria’s role as a reliable partner in global trade and law enforcement.”
Commitment to Combating Transnational Crime
As the recovered vehicles are prepared for repatriation to Canada, Adeniyi reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to fighting transnational crime. “Nigeria will not serve as a transit point for stolen vehicles or any illicit goods. Our actions send a clear message: we remain resolute in protecting our economy and national integrity,” he declared.
Adeniyi also commended the dedication of Customs officers, emphasizing the need for modern tools and training to sustain momentum in combating smuggling.
In a separate operation, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A intercepted a luxurious bus belonging to Blessed Investment Company at Oshodi in Lagos. The passenger bus which loaded from Aba concealed six pump-action rifles and nearly 1,000 rounds of ammunition being transported to Lagos from the eastern region.
The Unit’s Comptroller, Mr. Kola Oladeji, revealed that the operation was carried out discreetly to avoid a confrontation in the bustling Oshodi area. Despite the driver and conductor escaping, the bus carrying the contraband was towed to the FOU office, where a thorough search uncovered the hidden arms.
“These brand-new rifles and the quantum of ammunition indicate an organized criminal syndicate at work,” Oladeji said. He emphasized the importance of public safety, noting that no shots have been fired during his tenure due to the Unit’s cautious approach.
Oladeji stated that by highlighting the severity of the interception: “The volume of arms and ammunition we confiscated is sufficient to arm a criminal gang. This underscores the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to protect the nation’s borders during the yelutide season.”
With ongoing initiatives like Operation Hot Wheels and strengthened border control, the NCS aims to bolster Nigeria’s reputation in international trade and security.
