The Comptroller General of Customs(CGC), Mr Wale Adeniyi, expressed concerns over Nigeria’s deteriorating image on the Glo stage saying the country has become a preferred destination for internationally stolen vehicles which not only tarnishes Nigeria’s international image but also impacts our economy through substantial revenue losses and increased security spending. Mr. Wale, while addressing journalists at the Federal Operations Unit, Ikeja last Tuesday on stolen cars from Canada, disclosed that the International Police (INTERPOL) had also identified countries in West Africa which serve as hubs for exotic vehicles stolen from Canada, America and Europe. He made this disclosure while handing over 21 exotic cars worth over N1.8 billion to the Canadian Government.
Furthermore, the CGC in his speech revealed that members of the syndicate stole vehicles from foreign countries and shipped them into Nigeria, using falsified documents. He also highlighted the efforts of his officers in recovering about 21 exotic cars from the criminal gang, with the aid of the recently established Operations Hot Wheel.
“Operation Hot Wheel consists of officers from the Nigeria Customs Service, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Canadian government, according to INTERPOL reports, West Africa has emerged as a notable destination hub in the global stolen vehicle trade network. This extends from Europe and North America to as far as South America and Australia. This challenge is particularly acute in Nigeria,” he said. Among the exotic vehicles handed over were Rolls Royce, Lamborghini Huracan, Mercedes-AMG and Range Rover.
Elaborating on Operation Hot Wheels Mr. Wale said, “This initiative is aimed at disrupting the flow of stolen vehicles into Nigeria through our ports and borders. This is launched as a collaborative effort between the NCS, EFCC and Canadian authorities, which is 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 multi-agency approach was designed to leverage the unique capabilities and jurisdictional advantages of each participating organization.”
Adeniyi further noted that officers at various commands had successfully intensified surveillance operations through the enhanced intelligence gathering and strategic deployment of resources. He said that 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.
According to him, physical examination of the container revealed three undeclared 2021 Toyota Highlander vehicles, two in Navy Blue and one in Red color.
He lamented over the economic implications of this criminal enterprise stating that they were 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 toward trade facilitation initiatives and economic growth programmes.
Mr. Wale noted that data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that between 2013-2015, only 54 per cent of stolen vehicles were recovered. Also adding that the statistics was a great indication of 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. Recent intelligence from international law enforcement agencies further confirms that our region has become a preferred destination for internationally stolen vehicles. This is a trend that not only tarnishes Nigeria’s international image but also impacts our economy through substantial revenue losses and increased security spending,” he said.
