…Commends EFCC for returning $180,000, 53 vehicles to Canada
President Bola Ahmed 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 cybercriminals and individuals in possession of and trafficking in stolen vehicles.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Mr Bayo Onanuga in Abuja Sunday.
The president said Nigeria would continue to work with its international partners to ensure that cybercriminals and organised crime groups involved in transnational car thefts are deprived of the benefits of their illegal activities.
He said one of the most effective tools available to law enforcement agencies is depriving criminals of the proceeds from their illicit activities.
The president acknowledged the recent handover of 53 vehicles and $180,300 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission 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, the president commended the EFCC for collaborating with partners to ensure a coordinated and professional repose to this menace.
The president also directed all relevant agencies, particularly the anti-corruption agencies, to protect Nigeria’s economic and financial integrity from organised crime infiltration.
He also demanded 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 said “Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles and a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries.”
He said his administration remains committed to tackling money laundering, cybercrime and other financial crimes.
