Home News Nigeria Hands Over 21 Stolen Cars Worth N8.1bn To Canadian Govt

Nigeria Hands Over 21 Stolen Cars Worth N8.1bn To Canadian Govt

by Our Reporter
The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Wale Adeniyi, has handed over 21 exotic cars worth over N8.1bn billion to the Canadian government.
This is even as the CGC disclosed that the International Police (INTERPOL) has identified countries in West Africa as hubs for exotic vehicles stolen from Canada, America and Europe.

The exotic vehicles include Rolls Royce, Labomgini Horicane, Mercedes-AMG and Rang Rover.

Adeniyi revealed that members of the syndicate stole vehicles from foreign countries and subsequently shipped them into Nigeria using falsified documents, adding that with the aid of the recently established Operations Hot Wheel, officers had recovered about 21 exotic cars from the criminal gang.

Operation Hot Wheel consists of officers from the Nigeria Customs Service, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Canadian government.

Adeniyi revealed that all 21 vehicles were recovered with the aid of the Canadian government as well as the EFCC.

Speaking at the official handing over of the stolen vehicles, the CGC stated the Nigeria Customs Service had intensified its operations against vehicle trafficking syndicates operating within the country’s borders.
“According to INTERPOL reports, West Africa has emerged as a notable destination hub in the global stolen vehicle trade network, which extends from Europe and North America to as far as South America and Australia. This challenge is particularly acute in Nigeria,” he said.
The CGC said available data the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals that between 2013-2015, only 54 per cent of stolen vehicles were recovered, noting that it shows 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, a trend that not only tarnishes Nigeria’s international image but also impacts our economy through substantial revenue losses and increased security spending.

“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.”

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