“Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles or a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries”- President Tinubu warns against car theft and cyber criminals
President Bola Tinubu has directed security and law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts against cybercriminals and transnational car theft rings within the country.
He instructed agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), to specifically target individuals involved in the possession and trafficking of stolen vehicles.
In a statement released on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu highlighted that stripping criminals of the profits from their illegal activities is a crucial strategy in fighting organized crime.
He praised the EFCC for returning 53 vehicles and $180,300 to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on behalf of two Canadian victims of cybercrime linked to Nigerian nationals.
President Tinubu also expressed concern about transnational crime groups exporting stolen vehicles to Nigeria, applauding the collaboration between Nigerian authorities and international partners to tackle the issue.
He emphasized the need to safeguard seized assets for the benefit of the state, victims, and society in accordance with legal frameworks and global agreements.
The President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to fighting cybercrime, money laundering, and other financial crimes, stating that the country would not become a hub for stolen vehicles or illicit wealth.
