BREAKING: President Tinubu Orders Crackdown On Cybercriminals, Car Theft Syndicates
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a nationwide crackdown on cybercriminals and organized crime groups involved in transnational car thefts, directing Nigeria’s security and law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts against the growing menace.
In a statement released on Sunday, the President tasked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) with increasing vigilance and enforcement to curb the possession and trafficking of stolen vehicles in the country.
This directive comes after the EFCC returned 53 stolen vehicles and $180,300 to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on behalf of two Canadian citizens who were victims of cybercrime by Nigerian nationals.
According to the statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, (Information and Strategy), President Tinubu commended the EFCC for its efforts and cooperation with international law enforcement agencies to address transnational crime.
“One of the most effective tools available to law enforcement is depriving criminals of the proceeds of their illicit activities,” President Tinubu said, stressing the importance of preventing criminals from benefiting from their illegal operations.
The President further reiterated that Nigeria will not become a destination for stolen vehicles or illicit wealth from other countries, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to tackling money laundering, cybercrime, and other financial crimes.
While expressing concern over the involvement of transnational organised criminal groups in exporting stolen vehicles to Nigeria, President Tinubu commends the Commission for collaborating with partners to ensure a coordinated and professional repose to this menace.
The President further directed all relevant agencies, particularly the anti-corruption agencies, to protect Nigeria’s economic and financial integrity from organised crime infiltration.
He also demanded that the value of seized and confiscated moveable assets be preserved for the state, society, and victims in line with existing legislation and international conventions.
The president strongly affirms, “Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles and a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries. ”
President Tinubu affirmed that his administration remains committed to tackling money laundering, cybercrime, and other financial crimes.
