President Bola Tinubu has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to working with international partners to disrupt the activities of cybercriminals and organised crime syndicates involved in transnational car theft. He has directed law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts to apprehend individuals involved in trafficking stolen vehicles.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President instructed 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 collaborate more closely in tackling these criminal networks.

The President noted that one of the most effective ways to combat such crimes is to deprive offenders of the proceeds of their illegal activities. He praised the EFCC for its recent handover of 53 vehicles and $180,300 to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), on behalf of two Canadian citizens who were defrauded by Nigerian cybercriminals.

President Tinubu expressed concern over the involvement of transnational criminal groups in exporting stolen vehicles to Nigeria. He commended the EFCC for its collaboration with international partners and called for a professional and coordinated response to the issue.

He further directed anti-corruption agencies to safeguard Nigeria’s economic and financial integrity from the infiltration of organised crime. The President also emphasised the importance of preserving the value of confiscated assets for the benefit of the state, society, and victims, in line with legislation and international conventions.

“Nigeria will not be a destination for stolen vehicles or a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries,” the President affirmed, adding that his administration remains committed to tackling money laundering, cybercrime, and other financial offences.