Tinubu directs law enforcement agencies to crackdown on cybercriminals, other crimes
President Bola Tinubu has given an assurance that Nigeria will continue to work with its international partners to ensure that cyber criminals and organized crime groups involved in transnational car thefts are deprived of the benefits of their illegal activities.
The President, in a release issued on Sunday, by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, strongly affirmed that his administration remains committed to tackling money laundering, cybercrime and other financial crimes, adding that one of the most effective tools available to law enforcement agencies is depriving criminals of the proceeds from their illicit activities.
As a result, President 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.
He recalled, “The recent handover of 53 vehicles and $180,300 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), on behalf of two Canadian citizens who were victims of cybercrimes perpetrated by Nigerian nationals”.
“I am concerned over the involvement of transnational organized criminal groups in exporting stolen vehicles to Nigeria, and I commend the Commission for collaborating with partners to ensure a coordinated and professional repose to this menace”, he added.
The President further directed, “All relevant agencies, particularly the anti-corruption agencies, to protect Nigeria’s economic and financial integrity from organized crime infiltration.
“I demand 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.
“Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles and a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries”, stated the President.
