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President Bola Tinubu has directed key security and law enforcement agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), to intensify efforts against individuals involved in the possession and trafficking of stolen vehicles.
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In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to collaborating with international partners. He said partnership was important dismantling cybercrime networks and organised criminal groups engaged in transnational car theft.
This directive follows the recent recovery of 53 stolen vehicles and $180,300 by the EFCC. All of them were returned to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on behalf of two Canadian citizens defrauded by Nigerian cybercriminals.
Tinubu’s call to action comes after Interpol’s Operation Jackal III
Tinubu’s call to action comes after Interpol’s Operation Jackal III, a global effort targeting the notorious Black Axe cybercrime syndicate. The effort led to raids in 21 countries between April and July 2024. This operation showcased the power of international collaboration and intelligence sharing in combatting global crime networks.
Acknowledging the success of these efforts, Tinubu praised the EFCC for its effective partnership with global law enforcement agencies. He expressed concern over the growing involvement of transnational criminal groups in exporting stolen vehicles to Nigeria. He stressed the need to protect the country’s economic integrity from organised crime.
Tinubu affirmed his administration’s commitment to making Nigeria a hostile environment for cybercrime, money laundering, and financial crimes. “Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles or a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries,” he added.
This directive reflects the President’s broader agenda to safeguard Nigeria’s financial systems and enhance its global reputation by rooting out organized crime.
