Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has reportedly directed relevant law enforcement agencies in the country to round up suspected cybercriminals and those who engage in transnational car theft. The President reaffirmed his determination to rid the country of criminals, insisting Nigeria will not become a haven for stolen vehicles and illicit wealth.
The order was contained in a statement released by a media aide to the President, Bayo Onanuga. Onanuga noted that the latest directive is aimed at agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). The President noted that one of the most effective tools available to law enforcement agencies is depriving criminals of the proceeds from their illicit activities.
He acknowledged 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.
While expressing concern over the involvement of transnational organised criminal groups in exporting stolen vehicles to Nigeria, President Tinubu commended the Commission for collaborating with partners to ensure a coordinated and professional repose to the 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 affirmed, “Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles and a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries.”
