Tinubu directs action against cybercriminals, transnational car theft

President Bola Tinubu has instructed 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 enhance efforts to combat the possession and trafficking of stolen vehicles.

In a statement issued on Friday by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), it was emphasized that Nigeria will collaborate with international partners to ensure that cybercriminals and organized crime groups involved in transnational vehicle theft are denied the gains from their illegal activities.

The president highlighted that one of the most effective strategies for law enforcement is to confiscate the proceeds from criminal activities.

He also noted the recent transfer of 53 vehicles and $180,300 from the EFCC to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), which was on behalf of two Canadian citizens who fell victim to cybercrimes committed by Nigerian nationals.

Expressing concern about the involvement of transnational organized criminal groups in exporting stolen vehicles to Nigeria, President Tinubu commended the EFCC for its collaboration with partners to mount a coordinated and professional response to this issue.

He further instructed all relevant agencies, especially anti-corruption bodies, to safeguard Nigeria’s economic and financial integrity from infiltration by organized crime.

The president emphasized the importance of preserving the value of seized and confiscated movable assets for the benefit of the state, society, and victims, in accordance with existing laws and international conventions.

He asserted, “Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles nor a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries,” and reiterated his administration’s commitment to combating money laundering, cybercrime, and other financial offenses.