Nigeria customs returns ₦1.8B worth of stolen cars to Canada

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has successfully returned 21 stolen luxury cars, valued at over ₦1.8 billion, to Canada.

All the vehicles were smuggled into Nigeria by a criminal syndicate and recovered through a series of targeted operations across the country.

Details of the Recovery and Return

During a formal handover ceremony, the Comptroller General of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, explained that the stolen vehicles were intercepted at various locations, including Lekki, Tin-Can Island in Lagos, and Onne Port in Rivers State.

The vehicles recovered were smuggled into Nigeria as part of a sophisticated network that exploits West Africa’s growing role as a hub for the global stolen vehicle trade.

List of High-End Vehicles Recovered

Among the recovered vehicles are:

• Three 2021 Toyota Highlander SUVs, two of which were confirmed stolen from Canada.
• A Rolls-Royce Wraith and a 2019 Lamborghini Huracan, both seized in Victoria Island, Lagos.
• Two Range Rovers, including 2023 and 2018 models, intercepted in Lekki.
• A Mercedes-Benz G550 and a Range Rover Sport, recovered along the Trinity Axis in Lagos.

The operation highlights Nigeria Customs’ increasing effectiveness in combating the smuggling of high-value goods, particularly luxury vehicles.

Collaboration with INTERPOL

The NCS collaborated with INTERPOL, which had identified West Africa as a significant destination for stolen vehicles.

Mr. Adeniyi emphasized that the trade in stolen vehicles not only threatens Nigeria’s economy but also has broader implications for security.

He reaffirmed the Customs Service’s commitment to dismantling smuggling networks and strengthening international cooperation to curb such crimes.

Significance of the Return

The return of these vehicles to Canada underscores Nigeria Customs’ dedication to adhering to global security protocols and restoring confidence in the country’s capacity to address transnational crimes.

Mr. Adeniyi expressed hope that such actions would deter criminal syndicates and reduce the inflow of stolen vehicles into the region.

“This challenge is particularly acute in Nigeria – National Bureau of Statistics data showed that between 2013-2015, only 54% of stolen vehicles were recovered, highlighting the scale and sophistication of this criminal enterprise.”

“The growing incidence of stolen vehicles finding their way into our region has become a matter of serious concern, as it not only undermines our legitimate automotive market but also strains our security infrastructure,” he stated.

To curb the menace, the Customs boss stated 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.”