Tinubu orders tougher approach to cybercrime, car theft syndicates

Nigeria will continue to work with its international partners to ensure that cybercriminals and organised crime groups involved in transnational vehicle thefts are deprived of the benefits of their illicit activities.

To this end, 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 intensify efforts to tackle persons possessing and trafficking stolen vehicles.

In a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga on Sunday, the President noted that one of the most effective tools available to law enforcement agencies is to deprive criminals of the proceeds of their illegal activities.

He acknowledged the recent transfer of 53 vehicles and $180,300 by the EFCC to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), on behalf of two Canadian citizens who had been victims of cybercrime committed by Nigerian nationals.

President Tinubu expressed concern over the involvement of transnational organised crime groups in the export of stolen vehicles to Nigeria, but commended the Commission for working with partners to ensure a coordinated and professional response to this menace.

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

He also demanded that the value of the 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 affirmed: “Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles nor a haven for illicit wealth from abroad.”

President Tinubu reaffirmed that his government remains committed to combating money laundering, cybercrime and other financial crimes.