The Nigerian government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has stepped up efforts to combat the scourge of stolen vehicles transiting its territory. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President commended the EFCC’s initiative to return 53 vehicles and $180,300 to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on behalf of two Canadian citizens who were victims of cybercrime perpetrated by Nigerian nationals.
This action is a testament to the international cooperation that is essential to combat transnational criminals who are illicitly enriching themselves through their illicit activities. President Tinubu stressed the importance of depriving these individuals of the proceeds of their misdeeds, calling on the various security and law enforcement agencies, such as the EFCC, NCS, NPF and APN, to redouble their efforts to combat the possession of stolen vehicles.
The President expressed concern over the involvement of transnational organized crime groups in the exportation of stolen vehicles to Nigeria. He commended the collaboration between the EFCC and its partners in this fight, while calling for a coordinated and professional response to this scourge.
Furthermore, the President stressed the need to protect the economic and financial integrity of Nigeria from any infiltration of organized crime, and directed that the value of seized and confiscated movable assets be preserved for the state, society and victims, in accordance with existing laws and international conventions.
The message is clear: Nigeria will not be a haven for stolen vehicles or illicit wealth from abroad. The President reaffirmed his commitment to combating money laundering, cybercrime and other financial crimes, thereby underscoring his administration’s firm resolve to protect the interests of the country and its citizens.