SECURITY: TINUBU VOWS TO CRACK DOWN ON CYBERCRIME, TRANSNATIONAL CAR THEFT

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In a decisive move to tackle cybercrime and transnational car theft, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security and law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts in cracking down on individuals involved in these illicit activities.

According to a statement issued on Sunday, September 22, by his special adviser on information on the strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu also sent a strong message to the global community, affirming that Nigeria will not be a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries.

The president commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its recent handover of 53 vehicles and $180,300 to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), benefiting two Canadian citizens who fell victim to cybercrimes perpetrated by Nigerian nationals [1).

President Tinubu emphasised that depriving criminals of their proceeds is a potent tool in combating these crimes.

The president expressed concern over the involvement of transnational organized criminal groups in exporting stolen vehicles to Nigeria. However, he praised the EFCC’s collaboration with partners to address this menace.

To safeguard Nigeria’s economic and financial integrity, President Tinubu instructed anti-corruption agencies to protect the country from organized crime infiltration.

He also stressed the importance of preserving the value of seized and confiscated movable assets for the state, society, and victims, in line with existing legislation and international conventions.

“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, 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.

“The President further directs 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”, the statement said.

The President strongly affirmed, “Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles and a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries”.

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