President Bola Tinubu has ordered security and law enforcement agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), to intensify efforts against individuals in possession of stolen vehicles.
The government is committed to collaborating with international partners to combat cybercrime and organized crime groups involved in transnational car thefts. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu highlighted that depriving criminals of the proceeds from their illegal activities is a key strategy for law enforcement.
He noted the recent handover of 53 vehicles and $180,300 by the EFCC to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on behalf of two Canadian victims of cybercrimes perpetrated by Nigerian nationals.
Expressing concern over the role of transnational organized criminal groups in exporting stolen vehicles to Nigeria, President Tinubu praised the EFCC for its efforts in coordinating a professional response to this issue.
He directed all relevant agencies, especially anti-corruption bodies, to safeguard Nigeria’s economic and financial integrity from organized crime. The President emphasized the importance of preserving the value of seized and confiscated assets for the state, society, and victims, in accordance with existing laws and international conventions.
President Tinubu firmly stated, “Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles and a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries,” reiterating his administration’s commitment to tackling money laundering, cybercrime, and other financial crimes.