President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other security agencies to crack down on cyber criminals in Nigeria.
Tinubu gave the order on Sunday in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga.
Onanuga said President Tinubu has also commended the EFCC for returning the sum of$180,000 and 53 vehicles to Canada.
He quoted Tinubu as saying that 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 their efforts in cracking down on individuals in possession of and trafficking in stolen vehicles,” Onanuga said.
“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 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.”
Onanuga said the President has further directed all relevant agencies particularly the anti-corruption agencies to protect Nigeria’s economic and financial integrity from organised crime infiltration.
He said Tinubu has 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 has strongly affirmed that Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles and a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries,” Onanuga said.
“President Tinubu has also affirmed that his administration remains committed to tackling money laundering, cybercrime and other financial crimes.”
