West Africa Emerges as a Hotspot for Global Stolen Vehicle Trade
West Africa has become a pivotal hub in the global trade of stolen vehicles, stretching from Europe and North America to South America and Australia, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) revealed on Tuesday.
Speaking in Lagos while displaying seized vehicles, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the burgeoning trade as a severe threat to the region’s legitimate automotive market and security infrastructure. “According to INTERPOL reports, West Africa has emerged as a notable destination hub in the global stolen vehicle trade network,” Adeniyi said, adding that Nigeria has borne the brunt of this surge.
Citing National Bureau of Statistics data, he noted that only 54% of stolen vehicles were recovered between 2013 and 2015, underscoring the scale and sophistication of this criminal enterprise.
In response, the Customs Service launched Operation Hot Wheels, a collaborative enforcement initiative with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Canadian authorities, aimed at disrupting the trafficking of stolen vehicles into Nigeria via ports and borders. Through intelligence-sharing and strategic interdiction, the operation has delivered significant results.
One notable seizure occurred at Area II Command, Onne Port, where a container declared to contain used vehicles and spare parts was found to conceal three undeclared 2021 Toyota Highlander vehicles. Two of the vehicles, verified as stolen from Canada, highlighted the advanced tactics employed by international syndicates, including false declarations and containerised shipments.
Further operations in Lagos intercepted a slew of high-value vehicles, including a Mercedes-Benz G550, a Range Rover Sport, and a Lamborghini Huracan, with a combined worth of over ₦1.6bn.
Adeniyi warned that the unchecked flow of stolen vehicles undermines Nigeria’s international standing and economic stability, diverting critical resources from trade facilitation to enhanced border security. “This criminal activity not only strains our operational capacity but also threatens the government’s efforts to attract foreign investment and position Nigeria as a trusted hub for global trade,” he said.
He emphasised the need for international cooperation, citing enhanced collaboration with INTERPOL and the Operation Screen West Africa initiative as instrumental in identifying and recovering stolen vehicles. Advanced risk management systems and access to international databases, he noted, have bolstered Customs’ ability to combat these sophisticated smuggling networks.
Adeniyi called for continued vigilance and investment in security infrastructure, stressing that the battle against vehicle trafficking is crucial to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic reform agenda and fostering trust in its role as a global trade partner.
