In a bold move to tighten Nigeria’s stance against organized crime, President Bola Tinubu has directed key law enforcement agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Police Force, and Nigerian Ports Authority, to ramp up efforts against individuals involved in trafficking and possession of stolen vehicles.
This directive comes on the heels of the EFCC’s recent handover of 53 stolen vehicles and $180,300 to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, assisting two Canadian citizens who were victims of cybercrime orchestrated by Nigerian nationals.
Tinubu commended the EFCC for its cooperation with international partners, ensuring swift and professional responses to these crimes.
The president’s directive, delivered through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, emphasized that “Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles or a sanctuary for illicit foreign wealth.”
Tinubu expressed deep concern about the growing involvement of transnational criminal organizations in smuggling stolen vehicles into Nigeria.
He underscored that depriving criminals of the proceeds from their illicit activities is one of the most powerful tools in law enforcement’s arsenal.
Further, the president called on anti-corruption agencies to safeguard Nigeria’s financial integrity, ensuring that seized assets are preserved for the state, society, and victims in line with local and international laws.
Assuring that Nigeria will continue to collaborate with global partners, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to combating money laundering, cybercrime, and transnational vehicle theft rings.
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