Tinubu orders crackdown on cybercriminals

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President Bola Tinubu has directed Nigerian 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 intensify efforts against individuals trafficking in stolen vehicles and those involved in cybercrime.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu affirmed that Nigeria will continue collaborating with international partners to ensure cybercriminals and transnational car theft syndicates are deprived of the benefits of their illegal activities.

The President highlighted that one of the most effective tools in fighting organized crime is to deny criminals access to the proceeds of their illicit activities. 

He acknowledged the recent handover of 53 vehicles and $180,300 by the EFCC to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), representing assets recovered from Nigerian cybercriminals who defrauded two Canadian citizens.

While expressing concern over the involvement of transnational crime syndicates in exporting stolen vehicles to Nigeria, Tinubu commended the EFCC for its cooperation with international partners to combat these activities. 

He also directed all relevant agencies, particularly anti-corruption bodies, to protect Nigeria’s economic integrity from infiltration by organized crime.

He further stressed that seized assets must be preserved for the benefit of the state, society, and victims, in line with both national laws and international conventions.

“Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles or a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries,” Tinubu declared, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to addressing money laundering, cybercrime, and other financial crimes.