Tinubu orders tough action against transnational car thieves, cybercriminals

President Bola Tinubu has ordered strict action against persons involved in possession and trafficking of stolen vehicles.

He directed key 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 the fight against such criminal activities.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu stressed Nigeria’s commitment to working with international partners to dismantle cybercriminal networks and organised crime gangs engaged in transnational car thefts.

He stressed that one of the most effective ways to combat such crime is to deprive offenders of the proceeds of their illegal activities.

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This directive is being issued following the recent recovery of 53 vehicles and $180,300 by the EFCC, which were handed over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on behalf of two Canadian citizens who were victims of scams by Nigerian cybercriminals.

President Tinubu recognised the achievement and commended the EFCC for successfully collaborating with international partners in the fight against this crime.

Tinubu expressed concern over the involvement of international criminal organisations in the export of stolen vehicles to Nigeria and charged all relevant agencies, especially the anti-corruption agencies, to protect the economic and financial integrity of Nigeria from infiltration by organised crime.

He also stressed the importance of preserving the value of seized and forfeited assets for the benefit of the state, society and victims, in accordance with existing laws and international treaties.

President Tinubu stated emphatically: “Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles nor a haven for illicit wealth from abroad,” reiterating his administration’s commitment to tackling money laundering, cybercrime and other financial crimes.