Tinubu orders crackdown on cyber criminals, transnational car thieves

President Bola Tinubu has directed security and law enforcement agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, and the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, to intensify efforts in cracking down on individuals in possession of stolen vehicles.

This is as the government said it will continue to work with its international partners to ensure that cyber criminals and organised crime groups involved in transnational car thefts are deprived of the benefits of their illegal activities.

President Tinubu in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, noted that one of the most effective tools available to law enforcement agencies is depriving criminals of the proceeds from their illicit activities. 

He acknowledged the recent handover of 53 vehicles and $180,300 by the EFCC to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, RCMP, on behalf of two Canadian citizens who were victims of cybercrimes perpetrated by Nigerian nationals.

While expressing concern over the involvement of transnational organised criminal groups in exporting stolen vehicles to Nigeria, President Tinubu commends the Commission for collaborating with partners to ensure a coordinated and professional repose to this menace. 

The President further directed all relevant agencies, particularly the anti-corruption agencies, to protect Nigeria’s economic and financial integrity from organised crime infiltration. 

He also demanded that the value of seized and confiscated moveable assets be preserved for the state, society, and victims in line with existing legislation and international conventions. 

The president strongly affirmed, “Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles and a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries. “

He said his administration remained committed to tackling money laundering, cybercrime, and other financial crimes.