Tinubu Urges Stronger Crackdown On Cybercrime, Transnational Car Theft

President Bola Tinubu has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Ports Authority and other law enforcement agencies to strengthen their efforts to prevent cybercrimes, theft and trafficking of vehicles.

Tinubu's comments Sunday came after he acknowledged the return of 53 vehicles and $180,300 by the EFCC to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, representing two Canadian citizens, who were victims of cybercrimes committed by Nigerians.

The acknowledgment from the president came through a statement, titled "President Tinubu orders crackdown on cyber criminals, transnational car thieves," which was signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga.

"Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles and a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries," Tinubu said, as per the statement shared on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Tinubu also instructed all relevant agencies, especially anti-corruption groups, to safeguard Nigeria's economic and financial integrity from organized crime.

The president went on to express his concern about international organized crime groups exporting stolen vehicles to Nigeria. He noted that one of the best ways for law enforcement to fight crime was to take away the profits from illegal activities.

He emphasized that the country will keep working with international partners to ensure that cybercriminals and organized crime groups involved in car thefts do not benefit from their illegal activities.

Tinubu confirmed that his administration was dedicated to fighting money laundering, cybercrime and other financial crimes. He also stressed the importance of keeping the value of seized assets for the state, society, and victims, under current laws and international agreements.

Last week, the president reaffirmed his administration's dedication to building a strong financial system and a business-friendly economy to attract more foreign investment after Coca-Cola announced on Sept. 19 its plan to invest $1 billion in its Nigeria operations in the next five years.

The company made the investment plan announcement during a meeting, held between the president and the global leadership team of Coca-Cola Company, led by John Murphy, its president and chief financial officer and the Chairman of Nigerian Bottling Company Ambassador Segun Apata.