Tinubu orders tougher approach to cybercriminals, says ‘Nigeria is not a haven for illicit wealth’

President Bola Tinubu has issued new directives to security agencies to tackle cybercriminals and other organised crime gangs in the country.

This was announced in a statement on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

According to the statement, President Tinubu said security and law enforcement agencies including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) should intensify their efforts to tackle persons possessing and trafficking stolen vehicles.

The President was reacting to 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 cybercrime committed by Nigerian nationals.

President Tinubu commended the EFCC for its efforts and assured of his administration’s commitment to combating all criminals and their activities.

The statement said: “The President notes that one of the most effective tools available to law enforcement agencies is to deprive criminals of the proceeds of their illegal activities.

“He acknowledges the recent transfer of 53 vehicles and $180,300 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), on behalf of two Canadian citizens who were victims of cybercrime committed by Nigerian nationals.

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

“The President directs all relevant agencies, especially the anti-corruption agencies, to protect the economic and financial integrity of Nigeria from infiltration by organised crime.

“He also demands that the value of seized and confiscated movable property be preserved for the state, society and the victims, in accordance with existing legislation and international treaties.

“The President emphatically stresses that Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles nor a haven for illicit wealth from abroad.”