A statement released on Sunday, September 22, by his special adviser on strategy, Bayo Onanuga, highlighted that the President also sent a clear message to the international community, stressing that Nigeria will not serve as a refuge for illicit wealth from foreign nations.
The statement praised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for handing over 53 vehicles and $180,300 to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), a move that benefited two Canadian citizens defrauded by Nigerian cybercriminals.
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President Tinubu emphasized that one of the most effective tools in combating crime is stripping offenders of the proceeds of their illegal actions.
Expressing concern over the involvement of transnational organized crime in exporting stolen vehicles to Nigeria, he commended the EFCC’s collaboration with international partners to tackle this issue.
In his directive to anti-corruption bodies, the President stressed the importance of protecting Nigeria’s economic and financial systems from the infiltration of organized crime.
He also underscored the need to preserve the value of seized and confiscated assets for the benefit of the state, society, and victims, in accordance with Nigerian law and international agreements.
“Nigeria will continue to work with international partners to ensure that cybercriminals and organized crime groups involved in transnational car theft are deprived of the benefits of their illegal activities,” the President asserted.
As part of this, he directed agencies such as the EFCC, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to intensify their crackdown on those trafficking stolen vehicles.
The President reaffirmed that depriving criminals of their illicit gains is one of the most powerful tools available to law enforcement. He cited the recent recovery of vehicles and funds for Canadian victims as an example of effective international cooperation in fighting cybercrime.
While acknowledging the challenges posed by organized crime, President Tinubu urged agencies to protect Nigeria’s economic integrity from such threats and ensure the responsible management of confiscated assets.
He reiterated that “Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles or a haven for illicit wealth from abroad,” and vowed to continue his administration’s fight against money laundering, cybercrime, and other financial crimes.
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