Nigeria Takes Strong Stance Against Car Theft and Illicit Wealth
In a bold move, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has ordered security and law enforcement agencies to crack down on individuals involved in trafficking stolen vehicles. This decision is part of the country’s efforts to ensure that cybercriminals and organized crime groups involved in transnational car theft are deprived of the benefits of their illegal activities.
Tinubu emphasized the importance of depriving criminals of the proceeds of their illicit activities, citing 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.
The President also commended the EFCC for its collaboration with international partners in ensuring a coordinated and professional response to the menace of car theft. He expressed concern over the involvement of transnational organized criminal groups in exporting stolen vehicles to Nigeria and directed all relevant agencies to protect the country’s economic and financial integrity from organized crime infiltration.
Tinubu further demanded that the value of seized and confiscated movable assets be preserved for the state, society, and victims in accordance with existing legislation and international conventions. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling money laundering, cybercrime, and other financial crimes.
"Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles and a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries," Tinubu emphasized, as he urged all relevant agencies to take decisive action to combat this menace.
In a move to demonstrate the country’s commitment to eradicating car theft, Tinubu has ordered security and law enforcement agencies, including the EFCC, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Police Force, and Nigerian Ports Authority, to take immediate action against individuals involved in this illegal activity.
