Tinubu orders crackdown on transnational car thieves in Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has assured 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.

To this end, Tinubu directed 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 in cracking down on individuals in possession of and trafficking in stolen vehicles.

The president’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said on Sunday that Tinubu is of the belief that one of the most effective tools available to law enforcement agencies is denying criminals the proceeds from their illicit activities.

He said Tinubu has acknowledged the recent handover of 53 vehicles and $180,300 by 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 EFCC for collaborating with partners to ensure a coordinated and professional response to this menace.

Onanuga also confirmed that the President has directed 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.

Onanugu said the president strongly affirmed that Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles and a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries.

“President Tinubu affirmed that his administration remains committed to tackling money laundering, cybercrime, and other financial crimes,” Onanuga added.