Pres. Tinubu orders crackdown on transnational car thieves, cyber criminals

President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive to 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 ramp up efforts in cracking down on individuals found in possession of stolen vehicles.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu emphasized that depriving criminals of the proceeds from their illegal activities is a crucial tool for law enforcement.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to collaborating with international partners to disrupt cybercriminals and organized crime syndicates involved in transnational vehicle theft.

Tinubu’s directive comes in the wake of a recent case in which the EFCC returned 53 stolen vehicles and $180,300 to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), representing the assets of two Canadian citizens who had been defrauded by Nigerian cybercriminals.

Expressing concerns about organized crime groups exporting stolen vehicles to Nigeria, the president commended the EFCC for its professional collaboration with global agencies to address this growing menace.

Additionally, Tinubu instructed anti-corruption bodies to ensure that seized assets are protected and preserved for the benefit of the state, victims, and society in accordance with national laws and international conventions.

“Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles or a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries,” Tinubu affirmed, underlining his administration’s commitment to tackling money laundering, cybercrime, and financial corruption.