The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a cache of stolen exotic vehicles valued at ₦3.2 billion, smuggled into the country from Canada and other international sources.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, revealed the operation during a press briefing in Lagos, noting that the vehicles were intercepted at various seaports and bonded terminals across the country as part of heightened anti-smuggling operations.
The seized consignment included high-end models such as Range Rovers, Mercedes-Benz G-Wagons, Lexus SUVs, and BMW sedans, all flagged with irregular documentation and traceable links to international theft syndicates.
“Our officers, through intelligence collaboration with INTERPOL and foreign customs agencies, identified and intercepted these vehicles, many of which were reported stolen in North America,” Adeniyi stated.
He added that the seizure sends a strong message to smuggling networks exploiting Nigeria as a transit or end market for stolen automobiles.
Investigations are ongoing, with several suspects in custody and efforts underway to repatriate the vehicles to their rightful owners abroad.
The NCS has also issued a public advisory, warning importers and car dealers to verify the origin and documentation of vehicles, especially luxury models, to avoid running afoul of the law.
The development comes amid a broader crackdown on transnational crime and illicit trade routes, as Nigeria strengthens its border surveillance and enforcement mechanisms.
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