Tinubu asks police, customs, EFCC to tackle cybercriminals, car thieves

President Bola Tinubu has ordered security and law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts to combat cybercriminals and international car thieves operating in the country.

The President’s order is in line with the government’s commitment to crack down on organized criminal networks engaged in illegal activities, especially those targeting foreigners.

In a statement on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Tinubu commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its recent collaboration with Canadian authorities.

This collaboration resulted in the recovery of $180,000 and 53 vehicles, which handed over on behalf of two citizens of the country to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

The President acknowledged the importance of this cooperation and called for sustained efforts to tackle transnational crimes. “Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles and not a haven for illicit wealth from abroad,” Tinubu said.

He stressed that his government will continue to take tireless action against financial crime, cybercrime and money laundering.

He stressed that the most effective way to weaken organised crime is to deprive criminals of the proceeds of their illegal activities.

The President also raised concerns about the involvement of transnational organized crime groups in the export of stolen vehicles to Nigeria.

He urged law enforcement agencies, particularly the EFCC, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), to heighten their vigilance and work together to intercept these criminal networks.

He noted that seized and confiscated property, particularly movable property such as vehicles, should be preserved for the benefit of the State, society and victims, in accordance with existing legislation and international treaties.

“Criminals should not be allowed to profit from their illegal activities,” Tinubu said, adding that Nigeria is committed to maintaining strong relationships with international partners to ensure that criminals operating across borders are brought to justice.