In a bid to address the increased theft of luxury vehicles and subsequent importation to African countries, The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Wale Adeniyi, has officially transferred 21 luxury vehicles valued at over ₦8.1 billion to the Canadian government.
This is as INTERPOL has recognized certain West African nations as key locations for exotic cars that have been stolen from Canada, the United States, and Europe. Some of these brands include Rolls Royce, Lamborghini Huracán, Mercedes-AMG, and Range Rover.
Adeniyi explained that members of a formed criminal organisation had stolen these vehicles from abroad and subsequently imported them into Nigeria using forged documentation.
He added that law enforcement officers have successfully recovered approximately 21 luxury cars from this criminal organization through the newly established Operation Hot Wheel.
Operation Hot Wheel is a collaborative effort involving personnel from the Nigeria Customs Service, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Canadian government.
Adeniyi emphasized that the recovery of all 21 vehicles was made possible through the cooperation of the Canadian government and the EFCC.
He further stated that according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), from 2013 to 2015, only 54 percent of stolen vehicles were recovered, highlighting the sophistication and organisation of their operations.
This increasing prevalence of stolen vehicles entering Nigeria has raised significant alarm, as it jeopardizes the legitimate automotive market and places considerable pressure on the security system in the country.
According to Adeniyi, “Recent intelligence from global law enforcement agencies further substantiates that our region has become a favoured destination for vehicles stolen internationally.
“This trend damages Nigeria’s reputation on the world stage and adversely affects our economy through considerable revenue losses and heightened security expenditures.”
He said that measures including border management and stringent verification processes would be better utilized for trade facilitation and economic development programs.
As Operation Hot Wheel is under play, the Prima objectives are: 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 organization,” he stated.
Adeniyi further emphasized that by improving intelligence gathering and strategically allocating resources, officers across various commands have successfully enhanced surveillance operations while maintaining minimal disruption to legitimate trade activities.
He disclosed that a recent intelligence-driven operation at the Area II Command, Onne Port, resulted in the interception of a 1X40ft container (MRSU-5028706), which was declared to contain used vehicles and auto spare parts.
He stated that a physical inspection of the container uncovered three undeclared 2021 Toyota Highlander vehicles. In collaboration with Operation Screen West Africa (OSWA) and Interpol, it was confirmed that two of these vehicles had been reported 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 in Lagos. 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 intercepted through intelligence-led operations include three Toyota Highlander 2021 Models,” Adeniyi explained.
He emphasized that these recoveries underscore the advanced techniques employed by transnational vehicle theft organizations and their increasingly sophisticated concealment methods declarations and containerized shipments, in an effort to evade customs detection ystems.
He remarked that the operation revealed how stolen vehicles are being trafficked through the nation’s ports, disguised as legitimate cargo.
