KEY POINTS

• NCS recovered 21 stolen vehicles worth ₦1.8bn from Canada.
• Advanced techniques rendered Operation Hot Wheels at the aid against smuggling syndicates.
• The high value vehicles recovered consist of Lamborghini, Rolls Royce, and Range Rovers.

Seizing 21 luxury vehicles worth over ₦1.8 billion, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has returned the vehicles to Canada and pursued criminal syndicate that smuggles stolen cars into Nigeria.

Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller General of Customs, noted that vehicle trafficking had become a major trend in West Africa with negative effects on Nigeria’s economy, security and image at the global scene.

Adeniyi said Nigeria has become a hub for vehicles stolen from Europe, North America and South America, adding that between 2013 and 2015 only 54 percent of stolen vehicles were recovered.

The illicit trade also subverts President Tinubu’s economic reforms and Nigeria’s ambition to be a reliable global commerce center, he said.

Operation hot wheels: A collaborative breakthrough

In order to overcome this challenge, the NCS in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), International law enforcement agencies and the Canadian authorities launched Operation Hot Wheels.

The initiative targets sharing of immediate intelligence, surveillance, and interdiction to dismantle vehicle trafficking networks.

Key recoveries include:
One Port Interception: A container of three 2021 Toyota Highlanders incorrectly recorded as used vehicles and spare parts.
Lagos Recoveries: There were also a Lamborghini Huracan and a Mercedes-AMG GT worth ₦630.8 million and a Rolls Royce worth ₦231.8 million.
Victoria Island and Lekki Seizures: Range Rovers (2023 and 2018 models) valued at ₦267.1m and a Mercedes-Benz G550 at ₦506.8m.

“These operations revealed detailed smuggling techniques, such as false cargo declarations, and containers in containers,” Adeniyi explained.

Step towards economic reform and security

Recovery and return of these vehicles by the NCS enhances Nigeria’s trade, while arresting some of the illegal activities which undermine the business of legitimate automotive markets. According to Adeniyi, our efforts are in line with creating Nigeria as a trusted player in global trade.

Operation Hot Wheels success is proof of the necessity to collaborate at an international level to fight cross border crimes and a precedent for future anti smuggling operations.