Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, has directed security agencies in the country, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigerian Ports Authority to intensify their efforts in cracking down on individuals in possession of, and trafficking in stolen vehicles.
The president, who gave the directives on Sunday, said Nigeria was not a dumping ground for stolen foreign goods as well as a transit point for illicit drugs.
Tinubu said he was worried by the activities of transnational organised criminal groups in Nigeria, and tasked security and maritime agencies to intensify efforts to combat cybercriminals and transnational car thieves operating within the country.
Tinubu made the remarks following the recent handover of 53 vehicles and $180,300 by the EFCC to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, on behalf of two Canadian citizens who were victims of cybercrimes perpetrated by Nigerian nationals.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, titled ‘President Tinubu orders crackdown on cyber criminals, transnational car thieves’ the President commended the commission for collaborating with partners to ensure a coordinated and professional repose to this menace.
“Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles and a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries,” the statement noted.
“The President further directs all relevant agencies, particularly the anti-corruption agencies, to protect Nigeria’s economic and financial integrity from organised crime infiltration.
“He also demands 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.
“President Tinubu expressed concern over the involvement of transnational organised criminal groups in exporting stolen vehicles to Nigeria, noting that one of the most effective tools available to law enforcement agencies is depriving criminals of the proceeds from their illicit activities.
“He promised that Nigeria will continue to work with its international partners to ensure that cyber criminals and organised crime groups involved in transnational car thefts are deprived of the benefits of their illegal activities, while affirming that his administration remains committed to tackling money laundering, cybercrime, and other financial crimes.”