Tinubu orders law enforcement agencies to tackle cybercriminals, transnational car thieves

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.

Towards this end, he has 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.

The President noted, according to a press release issued on Sunday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, 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 Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (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 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 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 combating money laundering, cybercrime and other financial crimes.

Deji Elumoye

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