Tinubu orders tougher approach to cybercriminals, transnational car thieves

President Bola Tinubu has directed 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) to crack down on the possession and trafficking of stolen vehicles.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President stressed Nigeria’s commitment to working with international partners to thwart cybercriminals and organized crime groups involved in transnational car thefts. He emphasized that one of the most effective strategies for law enforcement is to deprive criminals of the proceeds of their illegal activities.

President Tinubu reported the recent handover of 53 vehicles and $180,300 by the EFCC to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on behalf of two Canadian victims of cybercrime committed by Nigerian nationals.

He expressed concern over the role of transnational organised crime in the export of stolen vehicles to Nigeria and commended the EFCC for the concerted efforts to address this problem.

The President also directed all relevant agencies, especially anti-corruption agencies, to protect the economic and financial integrity of Nigeria from infiltration by organised crime. He called for the preservation of the value of seized and forfeited movable assets for the benefit of the state, society and victims, in accordance with existing laws and international conventions.

The President stressed Nigeria’s position, saying: “Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles or a haven for illicit wealth from abroad,” reaffirming his administration’s commitment to tackling money laundering, cybercrime and other financial crimes.