Nigerian President Orders Tougher Approach to Stolen Vehicle Trade

Abuja, Sept 23 (IANS): Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has ordered local security and law enforcement agencies to take stricter action against individuals involved in the trade of stolen vehicles. The move is aimed at further strengthening the country’s economic and financial integrity against infiltration by organised crime.

Tinubu said in a statement that Nigeria will continue to work with its international partners to ensure that cybercriminals and organized crime groups involved in transnational car theft are deprived of the benefits of their illicit activities, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Nigerian leader noted that one of the most effective tools of law enforcement agencies is to confiscate the proceeds of their illegal activities. He also acknowledged the recent transfer of 53 vehicles and US$180,300 by the country’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on behalf of two Canadian citizens who were victims of cybercrime committed by Nigerian nationals.

Tinubu expressed concern over the involvement of transnational organised crime groups in the export of stolen vehicles to Nigeria. He commended the local anti-corruption police for working with partners to ensure a coordinated and professional response to the menace.

The Nigerian President has also ordered that the value of seized and forfeited movable assets should be preserved for the state, society and the victims, in accordance with existing laws and international treaties.

“Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles nor a haven for illicit wealth from abroad,” he said, reaffirming his government’s commitment to tackling money laundering, cybercrime and other financial crimes.