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Customs Intercepts 21 Exotic Vehicles Stolen From Canada in Lagos, Rivers Ports
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 21 luxury vehicles reported stolen from Canada, following a coordinated operation at the ports in Lagos and Rivers States. The seizure, announced on Tuesday by Customs officials, highlights ongoing efforts to tackle international vehicle smuggling rings operating within Nigeria.
According to the Customs Comptroller General, Adewale Adeniyi, the operation was carried out after a tip-off from Interpol, which flagged a shipment of suspicious vehicles en route to Nigeria. Acting on this intelligence, Customs officers conducted thorough inspections at Tin Can Island Port in Lagos and Onne Port in Rivers State, leading to the recovery of the stolen vehicles.
The vehicles, which include high-end models from brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus, and Range Rover, were reportedly stolen in Canada and smuggled into Nigeria through a sophisticated syndicate. The syndicate allegedly falsified documentation to evade detection, presenting the cars as legitimate imports.
Customs’ Response and Investigations
Speaking during a press briefing in Lagos, Comptroller Adeniyi stated that the intercepted vehicles had been concealed in shipping containers and declared as general merchandise to bypass scrutiny. “These vehicles were fraudulently imported into the country with fake documents and forged vehicle identification numbers (VINs),” he said.
Adeniyi confirmed that the NCS is working closely with Canadian authorities to trace the origins of the vehicles and dismantle the criminal network behind the operation. “This collaboration underscores our commitment to fighting transnational crimes and protecting Nigeria from becoming a safe haven for stolen goods,” he added.
He further disclosed that several individuals, including clearing agents and suspected members of the syndicate, have been arrested in connection with the operation. “Those involved will face prosecution as we remain determined to set an example that crime does not pay,” Adeniyi said.
Impact on Nigeria-Canada Relations
The interception of the stolen vehicles has drawn praise from Canadian officials, who acknowledged Nigeria’s proactive role in addressing cross-border crimes. A representative of the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria commended the Customs Service for its vigilance, noting that such actions strengthen bilateral cooperation between both nations.
“This operation sends a strong message to criminals that international borders cannot shield illegal activities. We look forward to continued collaboration to combat vehicle theft and other forms of organized crime,” the representative stated.
Public Awareness Campaign
The NCS has also launched a public awareness campaign to educate Nigerians about the risks of purchasing vehicles with unclear documentation. Comptroller Adeniyi urged potential buyers to verify vehicle histories before making purchases to avoid unwittingly acquiring stolen property.
“We encourage Nigerians to use the Customs VIN verification portal to confirm the authenticity of imported vehicles. This simple step can protect you from legal and financial complications,” he advised.
The Way Forward
As the investigation continues, the NCS has pledged to intensify its monitoring of imports and exports to prevent similar incidents. The agency has called for greater international collaboration to close loopholes exploited by smugglers.
The 21 seized vehicles are currently under Customs custody, awaiting further verification and possible repatriation to Canada. Meanwhile, authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s ports and borders are not used as conduits for criminal activities.
This successful operation serves as a reminder of the importance of robust border security and international cooperation in combating global smuggling networks.
