CUSTOMS SMASHES INTERNATIONAL VEHICLE SYNDICATES; INTERCEPTS MULTI-BILLION NAIRA EXOTIC CARS
By: Timothy Paul Okorocha
In a bid to protect the Nigerian society, the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified operations against international vehicle syndicates operating within the country’s borders,resulting in the seizure of 21 exotic vehicles worth billions of naira from Canada and some other countries in the west.
Comptroller General of the Customs service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR told newsmen in Lagos that according to INTERPOL reports, west Africa has emerged as notable destination hub in the global stolen vehicle trade network which extends from Europe and North America and so far as South America and Australia.
A combination of officers of the Federal Operations Unit, zone A, Tin Can island ports as well as the Onne Customs command assisted in great measure to break the vehicle/ arms gang operating in the country.
The officers in charge of Roving and Compliance , Assistant Compt Ibrahim and Chief Superintendent Abobana were said to be instrumental to some of the feats.
The economic implications of this criminal enterprise are far-reaching and
deeply concerning. Beyond damaging our legitimate automotive trade sector and
international business relationships, it undermines President Tinubu’s economic
reform agenda that aims to position Nigeria as a trusted hub for international
commerce. The Service is forced to divert substantial resources towards enhanced
border management and rigorous verification processes – resources that should ideally be channelled towards trade facilitation initiatives and economic growth
programs. This criminal activity not only strains our operational capacity but also
threatens the government’s efforts to attract foreign investment and establish
Nigeria as a reliable partner in global trade
In response to these challenges, the 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. This multiagency approach was designed to leverage the unique capabilities and
jurisdictional advantages of each participating organization.
Through enhanced intelligence gathering and strategic deployment of resources, our officers at various commands have successfully intensified surveillance operations while ensuring minimal disruption to legitimate trade flows. A recent intelligence-led operation at Area II Command, Onne Port, led to the interception of a 1X40ft container (MRSU-5028706) that was declared to contain used vehicles and auto spare parts. Physical examination of the container
revealed three undeclared 2021 Toyota Highlander vehicles – two in Navy Blue
and one in Red color. Through collaboration with Operation Screen West Africa (OSWA) and Interpol, two of these vehicles were confirmed stolen from Canada.
Simultaneously, the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ demonstrated exceptional vigilance with strategic interdictions at various locations in Lagos,
including:
a. One Mercedes-Benz G550 with Range Rover Sport, valued at N506.8 million, intercepted along Trinity Axis
b. One Mercedes-AMG GT with Lamborghini Huracan, valued at
N630.8 million
c. One Rolls Royce intercepted at Victoria Island, valued at N231.8
million
d. One Lamborghini 2019 Model recovered at Victoria Island, valued
at N239.1 million
e. 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 including three (3) Toyota
Highlander 2021 Models.
These recoveries highlight both the sophistication of transnational vehicle
theft syndicates and their evolving concealment methods. The criminals now
employ various tactics, including false declarations and use of containerized
shipments, attempting to circumvent our detection systems. Notably, the
operation exposed how stolen vehicles are being smuggled through our ports
using legitimate cargo as cover. The success of these operations stems from our enhanced risk management system and strengthened collaboration with
international partners. Working closely with Operation Screen West Africa (OSWA), Interpol, and other international agencies, we have significantly improved our capacity to identify and intercept stolen vehicles. The interface between our systems and international databases has proven crucial in establishing the status of suspicious vehicles and enabling swift intervention.
Operation Hot Wheels adds to our growing portfolio of collaborative successes in 2024, a year we have strategically dedicated to strengthening
partnerships within the global Customs community. The operation’s success
stems from seamless collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service, the
EFCC, and Canadian authorities, is evident that international cooperation is
crucial in dismantling sophisticated criminal networks. This approach aligns with our commitment to adopting international best practices and leveraging shared intelligence to enhance our operational capabilities, serving as a template for future collaborations and reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a committed partner in the global fight against transnational crime.
The remarkable success of this operation reflects the exceptional dedication and professionalism of our officers who, often under challenging circumstances, protect our borders with distinction. Their vigilance, integrity, and resolve have produced outstanding results in our fight against smuggling and transnational crime. These achievements affirm the high calibre of officers within the Nigeria Customs Service, and as an organization, we remain steadfast in our commitment to equipping them with cutting-edge tools, specialized training, and the necessary resources to sustain and enhance this momentum. The dedication shown by our officers exemplifies the spirit of excellence we are fostering within the Service – one that blends technical expertise with patriotism in service to our nation.
I extend special appreciation to our strategic partners – the EFCC, Canadian
authorities, and other national and international agencies – whose collaboration made these results possible. The success of Operation Hot Wheels highlights how effective partnerships strengthen our collective capability to combat transnational crime in today’s interconnected world.
As we prepare to hand over these vehicles to the Canadian authorities, our
actions today send a clear and firm message: Nigeria stands resolute against
criminal networks, and our borders will not serve as transit points for stolen vehicles or any form of illicit goods. We will continue to work tirelessly with our
international partners to protect our economy and preserve our national integrity.