Tinubu orders tough action against transnational car thieves in Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has assured that Nigeria will continue to work with its international partners to ensure that cybercriminals and organised criminal groups involved in transnational car thefts are deprived of the benefits of their illicit activities.

To achieve this goal, Tinubu 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 to tackle persons possessing and trafficking stolen vehicles.

Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, said on Sunday that Tinubu believes one of the most effective tools at the disposal of law enforcement agencies is to deny criminals the proceeds of their illegal activities.

He said Tinubu 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 cybercrime committed by Nigerian nationals.

President Tinubu expresses concern over the involvement of transnational organised criminal groups in the export of stolen vehicles to Nigeria but also commends the EFCC for working with partners to ensure a coordinated and professional response to this menace.

Onanuga also confirmed that the President has directed all relevant agencies, especially the anti-corruption agencies, to protect Nigeria’s economic and financial integrity from infiltration by organised crime.

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

Onanugu said the President has emphatically reaffirmed that 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 tackling money laundering, cybercrime and other financial crimes,” Onanuga added.