Get rid of transnational car thieves, Tinubu orders EFCC, other agencies

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a crackdown on cybercriminals and transnational car theft syndicates operating in Nigeria.

A statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, on Sunday, the president ordered security and law enforcement agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to put more efforts in tracking and prosecuting individuals involved in these illegal activities.

Tinubu said one of the most effective ways to combat such criminal activity is to deprive perpetrators the proceeds of their crimes.

Tinubu praised the EFCC for its collaboration with international partners, including the RCMP, to ensure the return of stolen goods to their rightful owners.

The statement also noted that President Tinubu expressed concern over the involvement of transnational criminal organizations in using Nigeria as a hub for stolen vehicle exports.

He commended the EFCC for its recent recovery of vehicles and funds, which he called a strong testament to the nation’s commitment to fighting organized crime.

The statement read: “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 intensify efforts in cracking down on individuals in possession of and trafficking in stolen vehicles.

“The President notes that one of the most effective tools available to law enforcement agencies is depriving criminals of the proceeds from their illicit activities.

“He acknowledges the recent handover of 53 vehicles and $180,300 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), on behalf of two Canadian citizens who were victims of cybercrimes perpetrated by Nigerian nationals.

“While expressing concern over the involvement of transnational organised criminal groups in exporting stolen vehicles to Nigeria, President Tinubu commends the Commission for collaborating with partners to ensure a coordinated and professional repose to this menace.”

Tinubu assured of his administration’s resolve to tackle financial crimes, stating that Nigeria will not be a destination for illicit wealth or stolen goods from other countries.

Also, the President directed all relevant agencies, particularly anti-corruption bodies, to ensure that confiscated assets are preserved in accordance with existing laws and international agreements, emphasizing the need to protect Nigeria’s financial integrity from the influence of organized crime.

Only recently, the EFCC handed over $180,300 and 53 vehicles to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), representing the assets of two Canadian citizens who were victims of cybercrimes involving Nigerian nationals.