Tinubu Orders Crackdown On Cybercriminals, Transnational Car Theft Syndicates

Commends EFCC For Recovering $180,000, 53 Stolen Vehicles Returned To Canada

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive crackdown on individuals involved in cyber fraud and the trafficking of stolen vehicles. The President has directed key 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 their efforts against these criminal networks.

This directive follows the recent successful recovery of 53 vehicles and $180,300 by the EFCC, which were handed over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). These assets were retrieved on behalf of two Canadian citizens who fell victim to Nigerian-based cybercriminals.

President Tinubu highlighted the importance of depriving criminals of the proceeds from their illegal activities as a crucial measure in dismantling organised crime. He expressed concern over the growing involvement of transnational crime groups in exporting stolen vehicles to Nigeria and commended the EFCC’s collaboration with international partners in addressing the issue.

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“Cybercrime and transnational car theft are global menaces, and Nigeria is committed to working closely with our international allies to prevent our country from becoming a haven for such activities,” the President stated. He further assured that his administration remains dedicated to safeguarding Nigeria’s financial and economic integrity from criminal infiltration.

The President also instructed anti-corruption agencies to ensure that the value of confiscated assets is preserved for the benefit of the state, society, and victims, in line with national legislation and international agreements.

“Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles or illicit wealth from foreign countries,” President Tinubu affirmed.

The crackdown aligns with the administration’s broader commitment to combating money laundering, cybercrime, and other financial crimes threatening the country’s security and international reputation.