President Bola Tinubu has sent out a new order to the nation's security services, instructing them to pursue organized crime groups and cybercriminals.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), among other security and law enforcement organizations, must step up their efforts to crack down on those who possess and traffic stolen vehicles, according to President Tinubu.
He emphasized that stolen cars and other illicitly obtained wealth do not belong in Nigeria.
The President made the declaration in a statement on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, while reacting to the recent handover of 53 vehicles and $180,300 by the EFCC to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), on behalf of two Canadian citizens who were victims of cybercrimes perpetrated by Nigerian nationals.
While commending the EFCC for its efforts, President Tinubu further assured of the commitment of his administration to fighting all criminals and their activities.
The statement reads:
"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 president strongly affirms, 'Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles and a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries.'
"President Tinubu affirms that his administration remains committed to tackling money laundering, cybercrime, and other financial crimes."
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