Tinubu orders crackdown on cyber criminals, says ‘Nigeria not a haven for illicit wealth’

President Bola Tinubu has issued a fresh directive to security agencies to go after cyber criminals and other organized crime groups in the country.

This was made known by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy in a statement on Sunday.

According to the statement, President Tinubu said 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), must intensify efforts in cracking down on individuals in possession of and trafficking in stolen vehicles.

The President was 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 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 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. ”