President Bola 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 step up their efforts to combat the possession and trafficking of stolen vehicles.
On Friday, Nigeria’s Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, stated that the country will collaborate with international partners to prevent cybercriminals and organized crime groups from profiting from transnational car thefts.
The president stated that one of the most powerful measures available to law enforcement organizations is depriving criminals of the profits from their illegal operations.
He acknowledges the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) recent transfer of 53 automobiles and $180,300 to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on behalf of two Canadian people who were victims of cybercrime committed by Nigerian nationals.
While expressing worry about the participation of transnational organised criminal organizations in the export of stolen vehicles to Nigeria, President Tinubu praised the EFCC for working with partners to provide a coordinated and professional response to the problem.
The president also directed all necessary institutions, particularly anti-corruption authorities, to safeguard Nigeria’s economic and financial integrity against organised criminal infiltration.
He also urged that the value of seized and confiscated moveable assets be preserved for the state, society, and victims in accordance with current laws and international norms.
The president affirmed, “Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles and a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries,” adding that his administration remained committed to tackling money laundering, cybercrime, and other financial crimes.
