Over 150 Vehicles Traced From Canada and Europe to West Africa; 75 Already Seized
In March 2025, INTERPOL coordinated a sweeping international operation—codenamed “Safe Wheels”—that uncovered approximately 150 stolen vehicles trafficked from Canada, France, Germany, and the Netherlands into Nigeria, Ghana, and 10 other West African countries. This operation was not only significant in its scope but also deeply alarming for anyone planning to purchase a foreign-used car in Nigeria.
The operation, which spanned 12 West African countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, and Togo, resulted in:
• 12,600 vehicles inspected
• Over 75 vehicles seized
• 18 new investigations launched
• Two organized crime groups identified
Security agencies conducted an average of 46 checkpoints daily during the two-week operation, using INTERPOL’s Stolen Motor Vehicle (SMV) database to cross-check vehicle records in real-time.
Most of the vehicles identified as stolen were traced back to Canada, with others linked to France, Germany, and the Netherlands—highlighting a clear pattern of cross-border vehicle trafficking targeting West Africa.
Why This Should Concern Nigerian Car Buyers
While it’s common practice in Nigeria to buy Tokunbo or foreign-used cars, many buyers may be unknowingly purchasing vehicles with a criminal trail. Once a stolen vehicle is identified, it can be seized without compensation, and in some cases, the buyer may find themselves caught in the middle of an international investigation.
With 75+ vehicles already seized and criminal syndicates under investigation, this is not a distant or abstract issue — it’s happening right now in Nigeria.
Red Flags for Nigerian Buyers
Based on patterns observed in INTERPOL’s operation, here are some red flags to look out for when buying a foreign-used vehicle:
• Unusually low prices for high-end foreign cars
• Incomplete or suspicious documentation, especially customs papers
• Vehicles recently shipped from Canada or Europe without a clear ownership trail
• Dealers unwilling to provide VIN numbers or access to vehicle history
How to Protect Yourself
To avoid falling victim to this growing crime trend, here are some practical prevention tips every buyer in Nigeria should follow:
✅ 1. Verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Ask for the car’s VIN and run it through an international vehicle history check such as:
• INTERPOL’s Stolen Motor Vehicle (SMV) database (via licensed agents)
• AutoCheck
• Carfax
This check helps you know if the car has been reported stolen abroad.
✅ 2. Validate Customs Clearance
Confirm that the car has been properly cleared through the Nigeria Customs Service. Use their VIN valuation portal or visit a customs office directly for verification.
✅ 3. Buy from Registered Dealers
Ensure you’re dealing with licensed and verifiable auto dealers with traceable addresses. Avoid buying cars from unverified online platforms or roadside vendors.
✅ 4. Ask for a Full Vehicle History
Request service records, registration history, and past ownership documentation. Cars involved in theft or salvage incidents often lack these.
✅ 5. Avoid Full Payment Before Inspection
Don’t pay the full amount upfront without physically inspecting the car or having a trusted mechanic evaluate it. Use escrow where possible.
Conclusion
Vehicle trafficking is not a new problem, but its scale, sophistication, and direct link to Nigeria make it a growing threat to unsuspecting buyers. INTERPOL’s operation shows that organized crime groups are actively targeting West Africa as a market for stolen cars — and Nigeria is a key destination.
As a buyer, it is no longer enough to focus only on price or appearance. The burden of due diligence is now on you. Before you buy that foreign car, verify everything.
“In 2024 alone, INTERPOL identified over 270,000 stolen vehicles globally through its SMV database.”
Let that number sink in.
Stay safe. Stay informed.
Before you buy, VERIFY.
Before you drive, CHECK.
