Customs Returns Smuggled Luxury Vehicles To Canadian Authorities

Official reports indicate that the recovered vehicles, which include high-end brands such as Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, Mercedes-Benz, and Land Rover, were formally returned to Canadian authorities during a handover ceremony held at the port on Monday, May 4, 2026.

The Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Nasser Salihou, received the vehicles from the Customs Area Controller of the Tin Can Island Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka.

According to a statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Abdullahi Maiwada, the operation was the result of months of intelligence sharing and close collaboration between the NCS and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Authorities disclosed that Canadian investigators had traced several luxury vehicles stolen within Canada and smuggled abroad through international shipping channels before they were discovered in Nigeria.

Customs records showed that the intercepted vehicles included a 2019 Lexus RX350, 2019 Mercedes-Benz G550, 2023 Land Rover Range Rover, 2019 Lamborghini Huracán, 2021 Rolls-Royce Dawn Convertible, 2018 Lamborghini Aventador, and a 2026 Toyota Tundra.

Speaking during the ceremony, Comptroller Onyeka revealed that one of the vehicles, a Toyota Tacoma, had been concealed inside a container loaded with other automobiles.

He explained that what initially appeared to be a routine shipment quickly became the focus of an international criminal investigation after intelligence from Canadian authorities was received.

Onyeka stated that the consignment was immediately placed under enforcement watch and the vehicle was secured pending confirmation from Canada.

He noted that Customs officials deliberately withheld the release of the vehicles until Canadian representatives arrived in Nigeria to authenticate and retrieve them, despite attempts by some individuals to intervene on behalf of interested parties.

According to Onyeka, the operation highlights Nigeria’s growing ability to combat transnational organised crime and disrupt the trafficking of stolen vehicles through global shipping networks.

He added that the successful recovery further underscores the strengthening partnership between Nigeria and Canada in intelligence sharing, cargo profiling, and maritime enforcement aimed at tackling cross-border crimes involving stolen assets, illicit trade, and fraud.

The interception comes amid increasing international concern over criminal syndicates exploiting weaknesses in global shipping systems to move stolen luxury vehicles into emerging markets.

Tin Can Island Port remains one of Nigeria’s busiest gateways for imported vehicles and containerised cargo, making it a critical frontline in the fight against smuggling and organised crime.