President Tinubu orders crackdown on cybercriminals, commends EFCC for returning $180,000, 53 vehicles to Canada

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.

The President notes that one of the most effective tools available to law enforcement agencies is to deprive criminals of the proceeds of their illegal activities.

He acknowledges 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 expresses concern about the involvement of transnational organised crime groups in the export of stolen vehicles to Nigeria, but commends the Commission for working with partners to ensure a coordinated and professional response to this menace.

The President directs all relevant agencies, especially the anti-corruption agencies, to protect the economic and financial integrity of Nigeria 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.

The President emphatically stressed: “Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles nor a haven for illicit wealth from abroad.”

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