President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security and law enforcement agencies to strengthen efforts to combat cyber criminals and organised crime groups involved in transnational car thefts.
The President has instructed agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to intensify their efforts in cracking down on individuals engaged in the possession and trafficking of stolen vehicles.
By depriving criminals of the proceeds from their illicit activities, law enforcement agencies can effectively combat cyber crimes, President Tinubu says while also acknowledging the recent collaboration between the EFCC and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) that resulted in the recovery of 53 vehicles and $180,300 on behalf of Canadian citizens victimized by cybercrimes committed by Nigerian nationals.
He expressed concern over the involvement of transnational organised criminal groups in exporting stolen vehicles to Nigeria, commending the EFCC for collaborating with partners to ensure a coordinated and professional response to this menace, emphasizing that Nigeria will continue to work closely with its international partners.
“Nigeria,” President Tinubu firmly says, “is not a destination for stolen vehicles and a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries. ” He reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to combating money laundering, cybercrime, and other financial crimes, protecting Nigeria’s interests from the threats posed by transnational organised crime.
In addition, the President has directed all relevant agencies, particularly the anti-corruption agencies, to safeguard Nigeria’s economic and financial integrity from organised crime infiltration. He also emphasized the importance of preserving the value of seized and confiscated movable assets for the benefit of the state, society, and victims, in accordance with existing legislation and international conventions.
Cybercrime, as defined by tech security company, Kaspersky, involves criminal activities that target or utilise computers, computer networks, or networked devices. While most cybercrime is financially motivated, some instances may aim to disrupt computers or networks for political or personal reasons. Perpetrators of cybercrime can range from individuals to highly organized groups with advanced technical skills.