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… As NCS Recovers 21 Vehicles Stolen From Canada, Hands Over To Canadian Govt
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has Has commissioned the newly renovated office complex at the Tincan Island Port Command of the Service.
The unveilling, according to maritime analysts marked a significant milestone in the command’s history.
The CGC, during the ceremony which took place in Lagos on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, expressed satisfaction for the successful renovation project.
He attributed the achievement to collaborative efforts with various government agencies and stakeholders.
The CGC also commended Comptroller Dera Nnadi, the Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port Command for the exceptional achievements garnered under his leadership.
He said: “We have created an environment that allows us to collaborate and work more effectively with other agencies of government and I’m indeed very delighted about this. What I’m seeing today is also the product of collaboration, our stakeholders are now stepping forward to say we can help you improve the quality of your workspace, and I’m indeed very happy that what we have is a demonstration that collaboration pays.”
The CGC stressed on the need for more collaboration in delivering better service to the nation.
According to him, “We will continue to extend the frontiers of collaboration, not only in this kind of spheres, but also include them in our operations to ensure that we deliver better service for our country.”
Meanwhile, Comptroller Nnadi, in a welcome address, highlighted the importance of the renovation, saying that since the inception of the Command in 1977, that no major renovation had been undertaken to update and modernize the office complex.
He said: “This renovation goes beyond mere aesthetics or upgrading physical infrastructure, it is a clear statement of intent that reinforces the CGC’s policy focus on Collaboration, Consolidation and innovation. It is a reaffirmation of our commitment to improving working conditions, enhancing operational efficiency and providing a conducive environment for our officers and stakeholders alike,” Nnadi added.
The occasion was also used to honored Comptroller James Brigue (Rtd).
Compt Brigue(Rtd.) was the first substantive Area Administrator of the Command.
He was the helmsman of the command between 1982 and 1984.
The CGC tasked officers and men on the need to emulate the life of Pa Brigue.
He equally emphasized the importance of leaving a lasting legacy through dedicated service.
Meanwhile, the Service said it has recovered 21 vehicles stolen from overseas and brought into the country.
The stolen vehicles have been handed over to the Canadian authorities.
The handing over was perfected at the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ Ikeja of the Service.
The vehicles were said to have been intercepted at various locations in Lekki area of Lagos and Onne Port in Rivers State.
CGC Adeniyi also made this during a press briefing held in Lagos.
According to the Customs Chief, the NCS had been working closely with international partners, including the Canadian authorities, to combat transnational vehicle theft and the operation, codenamed “Operation Hot Wheels,” was launched to disrupt the flow of stolen vehicles into Nigeria through its ports and borders.
Speaking further at the briefing, Adeniyi said that statistics by INTERPOL, revealed that West Africa had become a hub for stolen vehicles and that data showed that only 54% of these vehicles were recovered, which also shows the level of organised and sophisticated crime going on in Africa.
He stressed that the growing number of stolen vehicles entering Nigeria posed a serious concern that affects not only the country’s automotive market, but also its security infrastructure.
He noted that intelligence from international law enforcement agencies confirmed that Nigeria had become a preferred destination for internationally stolen vehicles, damaging the country’s international image and economy.
The recovered vehicles includes three 2021 Toyota Highlander vehicles, two Mercedes-Benz cars, a Lamborghini, a Rolls Royce, and two Range Rovers. The vehicles were valued at over N2.3 billion. Adeniyi announced that these recoveries highlighted both the sophistication of transnational vehicle theft syndicates and their evolving concealment methods as the criminals now employ various tactics, including false declarations and use of containerised shipments , attempting to circumvent the NCS detection systems.
The CGC attributed the success of the operation to the enhanced risk management system and strengthened collaboration with international partners. He also commended the dedication and professionalism of NCS officers, who worked tirelessly to protect Nigeria’s borders.
He emphasised that the handover of the recovered vehicles to the Canadian authorities was a significant milestone in the fight against transnational crime as it demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to collaborating with international partners to protect the economy and preserve national integrity.
“ 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 National Bureau of Statistics data
shows that between 2013-2015, only 54% of stolen vehicles were recovered,
highlighting the scale and sophistication of this criminal enterprise.
“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. Physical examination of the container
revealed three undeclared 2021 Toyota Highlander vehicles – two in Navy Blue
and one in Red color. Through collaboration with Operation Screen West Africa
(OSWA) and Interpol, two of these vehicles were confirmed stolen from Canada.
“Simultaneously, the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ demonstrated exceptional vigilance with strategic interdictions at various locations in Lagos, including one Mercedes-Benz G550 with Range Rover Sport, valued at N506.8 million intercepted along Trinity Axis, one Mercedes-AMG GT with Lamborghini Huracan valued at N630.8 million, one Rolls Royce intercepted at Victoria Island valued at N231.8 million, one Lamborghini 2019 Model recovered at Victoria Island valued at N239.1 million, two Range Rovers (2023 & 2018 Models) intercepted along Lekki valued at N267.1 million, at Tincan Island Command Operations Additional luxury vehicles intercepted through intelligence-led operations were three Toyota Highlander 2021 Models.
“The success of these operations stems from our enhanced risk management system and strengthened collaboration with international partners. Working closely with Operation Screen West Africa
(OSWA), Interpol, and other international agencies, we have significantly
improved our capacity to identify and intercept stolen vehicles.
“Operation Hot Wheels adds to our growing portfolio of collaborative
successes in 2024, a year we have strategically dedicated to strengthening
partnerships within the global Customs community,” the CGC said.
