Tinubu orders crackdown on cybercriminals, transnational car thieves

In a statement released on Friday by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), it was noted that Nigeria will continue to collaborate with international partners to ensure that cybercriminals and organized crime groups engaged in cross-border vehicle thefts are stripped of the benefits of their illegal activities.

The president emphasized that one of the most effective strategies for law enforcement agencies is to deprive criminals of the proceeds from their unlawful activities.

He highlighted the recent transfer of 53 vehicles and $180,300 by the EFCC to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on behalf of two Canadian victims of cybercrimes committed by Nigerian nationals.

While expressing concern about the role of international organized criminal groups in the exportation of stolen vehicles to Nigeria, President Tinubu commended the EFCC for its cooperation with partners to ensure a coordinated and professional response to this issue.

The president further mandated all relevant agencies, especially anti-corruption bodies, to safeguard Nigeria’s economic and financial integrity from the infiltration of organized crime.

Additionally, he insisted that the value of seized and confiscated movable assets should be preserved for the benefit of the state, society, and victims, in accordance with existing laws and international conventions.

The president asserted, “Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles or a refuge for illicit wealth from abroad,” reinforcing his administration’s commitment to combatting money laundering, cybercrime, and other financial offenses.