President Tinubu orders crackdown on cybercrime, transnational car theft

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has instructed security and law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts in tackling cybercrime and transnational car theft.

In a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President underscored Nigeria’s commitment to fighting illegal activities and assured the global community that the country will not serve as a refuge for illicit wealth from foreign sources.

President Tinubu also commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its recent collaboration with international authorities.

The EFCC handed over 53 vehicles and $180,300 to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), which will be returned to two Canadian citizens defrauded by cybercriminals in Nigeria.

“Nigeria will continue to work with its international partners to ensure that cyber criminals and organised crime groups involved in transnational car theft are deprived of the benefits of their illegal activities.

“To this end, President Bola Tinubu 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 in cracking down on individuals in possession of and trafficking in stolen vehicles.

“The President notes that one of the most effective tools available to law enforcement agencies is depriving criminals of the proceeds from their illicit activities.

“He acknowledges the recent handover of 53 vehicles and $180,300 by the EFCC to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on behalf of two Canadian citizens who were victims of cybercrimes perpetrated by Nigerian nationals.

“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 directs all relevant agencies, particularly the anti-corruption agencies, to protect Nigeria’s economic and financial integrity from organised crime infiltration.

“He also demands 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 statement said.

The President emphasised that “Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles and a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries”.

He said his administration remained committed to tackling money laundering, cybercrime, and other financial crimes.