News
Nigeria Customs returns stolen cars worth N8.1bn to Canada
The Nigeria Customs Service in Lagos on Tuesday handed over 21 exotic cars worth over N1.8 billion to the Canadian Government.
The Comptroller General of Customs(CGC), Wale Adeniyi, made the hand over at the Federal Operation Unit (FOU), in Lagos.
The CGC also disclosed that the International Police (INTERPOL) had also identified countries in West Africa as hub for exotic vehicles stolen from Canada, America and Europe.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that among the exotic vehicles that were handed over include Rolls Royce, Labomgini Horicane, Mercedes-AMG and Rang Rover.
The CGC revealed that members of the syndicate stole vehicles from foreign countries and subsequently ship them into Nigeria, using falsified documents.
He added the officers were able to recover about 21 exotic cars from the criminal gang, with the aid of the recently established Operations Hot Wheel.
“Operation Hot Wheel consist of officers from the Nigeria Customs Service,the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and the Canadian government,” he said.
Adeniyi also revealed that all the 21 vehicles were recovered with the aid of the Canadian Government as well as the EFCC.
“According to INTERPOL reports, West Africa has emerged as a notable destination hub in the global stolen vehicle trade network.
“This extends from Europe and North America to as far as South America and Australia. This challenge is particularly acute in Nigeria,” he said.
While highlighting data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the CGC said that available data from the bureau showed that between 2013-2015, only 54 per cent of stolen vehicles were recovered.
He noted that it showed the scale and sophistication of this criminal enterprise.
“The growing incidence of stolen vehicles finding their way into our region has become a matter of serious concern, as it not only undermines our legitimate automotive market but also strains our security infrastructure.
“Recent intelligence from international law enforcement agencies further confirms that our region has become a preferred destination for internationally stolen vehicles.
“This is a trend that not only tarnishes Nigeria’s international image but also impacts our economy through substantial revenue losses and increased security spending,” he said.
He added that the economic implications of this criminal enterprise were far-reaching and deeply concerning.
“Beyond damaging our legitimate automotive trade sector and international business relationships, it undermines President Tinubu’s economic reform agenda that aims to position Nigeria as a trusted hub for international commerce.
“The Service is forced to divert substantial resources towards enhanced border management and rigorous verification processes – resources that should ideally be channelled toward trade facilitation initiatives and economic growth programmes.
“This criminal activity not only strains our operational capacity but also threatens the government’s efforts to attract foreign investment and establish Nigeria as a reliable partner in global trade,” he said.
He said that the NCS, in response to these challenges, gave rise to the initiation of Operation Hot Wheels.
“This initiative is aimed at disrupting the flow of stolen vehicles into Nigeria through our ports and borders.
“This is launched as a collaborative effort between the NCS, EFCC and Canadian authorities, which is focused on intelligence sharing, coordinated surveillance and strategic interdiction.
“The operation’s primary objectives included identifying and intercepting stolen vehicles, dismantling trafficking networks, and strengthening international cooperation in combating transnational vehicle theft.
“This multiagency approach was designed to leverage the unique capabilities and jurisdictional advantages of each participating organization” he stated.
Adeniyi further noted that officers at various commands had successfully intensified surveillance operations through the enhanced intelligence gathering and strategic deployment of resources.
He said that 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.
According to him, 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.
“These included one Mercedes-Benz G550 with Range Rover Sport, valued at N506.8 million, were intercepted along Trinity Axis in Lagos. Also one Mercedes-AMG GT with Lamborghini Huracan, valued at N630.8 million,” he said.
He added that one Rolls Royce was intercepted at Victoria Island, valued at N231.8 million and one Lamborghini 2019 Model recovered at Victoria Island worth N239.1 million.
“Others are two Range Rovers, 2023 and 2018 Models, intercepted along Lekki and Tincan Island Command valued at N267.1 million,
“Additional luxury vehicles intercepted through intelligence-led operations, including three Toyota Highlander 2021 Models,” he explained.
He stated that these recoveries highlighted both the sophistication of transnational vehicle theft syndicates and their evolving concealment methods.
According to him, criminals now employ various tactics, including false declarations and use of containerized shipments, attempting to circumvent customs detection systems.
He added that the operation exposed how stolen vehicles were being smuggled through nation’s ports using legitimate cargo as cover. (NAN)
A new terrorist group known as Mahmuda has emerged in Nigeria’s North Central region, launching deadly attacks on communities surrounding the Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP), according to local sources and a report by Sahara Reporters.
The group, which operates with impunity in the national park spanning Kwara and Niger states, has besieged villages in Kaiama and Barutein Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kwara, as well as Babana and Wawa districts in Borgu LGA, Niger State. On Wednesday, Mahmuda militants attacked a vigilante group in Kemanji, Kwara, killing over 15 vigilantes and villagers, a source confirmed.
“They call themselves the Mahmuda group. Their leader, in a voice note, is threatening all the communities. They kill, kidnap victims, and demand ransom,” a local source told Sahara Reporters.
The KLNP, covering 3,970.29 square kilometres, has become a haven for the militants, who reportedly displaced park rangers over five years ago.
Sources trace the group’s origins to Mokwa LGA in Niger State, from where they were expelled by former Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu, who accused them of being Boko Haram affiliates.
The group then relocated through various regions, including Kaduna State, before entrenching themselves in the KLNP.
A recent audiotape from the group’s leader suggests they are a moderate Islamist sect that splintered from the extremist Boko Haram faction led by Abubakar Shekau.
The militants, who primarily speak Hausa, identify as the Mahmuda or Mallam Group and claim to be jihadists promoting Sunni Islam.
The Mahmuda group has imposed a reign of terror on local communities.
Herders pay dues to graze cattle, farmers pay levies to access farmland allocated by the militants, and residents are forced to work on the group’s farms as “sadaka” (charity).
The militants also kidnap locals for ransom, mount illegal roadblocks, and regulate social activities, banning alcohol sales and smoking while settling community disputes.
“They preach Islamic ethics, urge disloyalty to the Nigerian state, and insist disputes be reported to them,” a source said, adding that the group is recruiting locals as informants.
Unconfirmed reports suggest the militants are engaged in illegal mining within the park and threaten herbalists suspected of aiding vigilantes.
In a bid to consolidate control, the group has expelled bandits from the park, kidnapping or executing their collaborators after collecting ransoms.
The rise of Mahmuda highlights Nigeria’s growing insecurity, with ungoverned spaces like the KLNP enabling militant groups to thrive.
Loggers, fishermen, and hunters exploit the park’s resources, with some loggers reportedly negotiating with the militants to harvest trees, providing the group with revenue.
“The surge of insecurity in Nigeria is a source of concern due to its destructive impact on livelihoods,” a source noted.
“New militant groups continue to emerge and occupy ungoverned spaces.”
Locals suspect the authorities are aware of the group’s activities but have failed to act, possibly due to the militants’ sophisticated weaponry. Vigilante groups, frustrated by the lack of security intervention, have resorted to collaborating with Mahmuda to rescue kidnapped victims, further complicating the situation.
The Mahmuda group’s control over a vast swathe of Nigerian territory underscores the challenges facing the country’s security forces. With communities living at the mercy of the militants, the group’s blend of coercion, religious rhetoric, and economic exploitation poses a significant threat to stability in the region.
As Nigeria grapples with this emerging menace, questions remain about the group’s true origins and affiliations. Some locals speculate the militants may have ties to groups from Benin or Niger Republic, while others see parallels with Boko Haram’s tactics. Further investigation is needed to unmask this faceless group and address the crisis in the KLNP.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Caleb Danladi Foundation has called on the Ham people to embrace unity, cultural pride, and community-driven development as they mark this year’s Easter and Tuk-Ham Day celebration on Saturday.
In an Easter goodwill message signed by the Founder, Capt. Caleb Danladi, the Foundation emphasized the significance of the season as a symbol of hope, renewal, and the enduring triumph of light over darkness.
“As we gather in this sacred season of Easter, the Caleb Danladi Foundation extends warm wishes of peace, love, and renewal to all our friends, partners, and the entire Ham community,” the statement read.
Caleb emphasized that the Tuk-Ham Day celebration, offers a unique opportunity for the people of Hamland to reflect on their shared history, cultural values, and aspirations.
“Tuk-Ham Day is more than a celebration. It is a reminder of who we are—a resilient, proud, and culturally rich people.
“As we mark Easter and this special day, we must recommit ourselves to preserving our heritage and empowering the next generation,” he said.
He added that the Foundation remains committed to supporting youth empowerment initiatives and cultural preservation efforts across Southern Kaduna.
“Our youth are the heartbeat of our future. We must invest in their education, leadership, and entrepreneurial capacity. That is why the Caleb Danladi Foundation is supporting platforms that raise leaders, thinkers, and doers from our communities,” he stated.
Several dignitaries, traditional rulers, and members of the Ham diaspora are expected to be present at the event, to featured cultural displays, musical performances, and community development dialogues.
Tuk-Ham Day is an annual celebration observed by the Ham people of Southern Kaduna, Kaduna State. It is a cultural renaissance that brings together sons and daughters from across the globe to celebrate their identity and build a stronger community.
A coalition of 774 civil society organisations has lauded President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Defence, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Nigeria’s security forces for their “remarkable progress” in curbing insecurity across the country, claiming a 90% reduction in violence and unrest.
In a statement issued on Friday, the coalition’s publicity secretary, Michael Chukwuma, hailed the administration’s achievements.
He stated that : “In just two years, this government has accomplished what previous administrations failed to do in decades.”
He highlighted restored peace in regions like Kaduna and the Northeast, where farmers have returned to their fields, travellers move freely, and communities feel safer.
He said within two years,bandit commanders and lieutenants, including the following, were killed:Halilu Sububu, Ali Kawajo, Dangote Kachallah, Murus Dan Tsoho, Mino Kachallah, Barumi Kachallah, Jafaru Kachallah, Kachallah Maibuhu Yellow, Yellow Dan Tsoho, Kachallah Dan Muhammadu, and Kachallah Makarko.
Others include Kachallah Hassan Yellow, Kudairu Kachallah, Kachallah Dan Baburki, Kachallah Mai Jankai Dan Auta, Kachallah Dan Isihu, and Kachallah Mati.The troops also eliminated thousands of their members.
In light of these achievements, we commend the federal government and encourage them to continue their efforts.Changes made:
Chukwuma described the security forces and leadership as “patriots who forgo sleep so we may rest in peace,” urging Nigerians to support their efforts rather than criticise them.
He accused detractors of undermining progress for ulterior motives, questioning their silence during past administrations when insecurity was rampant.
“Their complaints today ring hollow,” he said.
The coalition called for collective action, stressing that combating insecurity is not the government’s burden alone.
“Every Nigerian has a role to play,” Chukwuma said, urging citizens to report suspicious activities and foster unity.
He also called on state governors to prioritise citizens’ welfare over personal luxury, particularly in states like Zamfara, where hunger and fear persist.
The group encouraged Nigerians to hold leaders accountable while supporting their efforts to build a safer nation.
“Together, we can ensure every road is safe, every farm thrives, and every child dreams without fear,” Chukwuma said .