Tinubu orders crackdown on Nigerians trafficking stolen vehicles

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.

Tinubu said Nigeria will continue to work with its international partners to ensure that cybercriminals and organised crime groups involved in transnational car thefts are deprived of the benefits of their illegal activities.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday, September 22, 2024.

Onanuga quoted Tinubu as saying that one of the most effective tools available to law enforcement agencies is depriving criminals of the proceeds from their illicit activities.

The president commended the EFCC for the recent handover of 53 vehicles and $180,300 to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), on behalf of two Canadian citizens who were victims of cybercrimes perpetrated by Nigerian nationals.

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While expressing concern over the involvement of transnational organised criminal groups in exporting stolen vehicles to Nigeria, President Tinubu commended the anti-graft agency for collaborating with partners to ensure a coordinated and professional repose to this menace.

He further directed all relevant agencies, particularly the anti-corruption agencies, to protect Nigeria’s economic and financial integrity from organised crime infiltration.

He added 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.

“Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles and a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries,” Tinubu stressed.

Tinubu noted that his administration remains committed to tackling money laundering, cybercrime, and other financial crimes.

The Star