Tinubu Orders Crackdown on Cybercriminals, Vows ‘Nigeria Will Not Be Haven for Illicit Wealth’

President Bola Tinubu has instructed security agencies to intensify efforts in tackling cybercriminals and organized crime groups operating within Nigeria. In a new directive issued on Sunday, the President emphasized that Nigeria would no longer serve as a refuge for individuals involved in illicit activities.

Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, disclosed the directive in an official statement. According to Onanuga, the President has called on various law enforcement bodies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), to step up their efforts, particularly in combating the trafficking of stolen vehicles into the country.

The order follows the recent return of 53 stolen vehicles and $180,300 to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) by the EFCC, after recovering the assets from cybercriminals who targeted two Canadian citizens. President Tinubu praised the EFCC for its cooperation with international law enforcement and reiterated his administration’s commitment to combating criminal activities.

“The President notes that one of the most effective tools available to law enforcement is depriving criminals of the proceeds from their illicit activities,” the statement said.

President Tinubu also voiced concern over Nigeria being used as a hub for transnational criminal networks, particularly those involved in exporting stolen vehicles. He commended the EFCC for its role in addressing this issue and urged all relevant agencies, especially anti-corruption bodies, to safeguard Nigeria’s financial integrity from organized crime.

The President further instructed agencies to ensure that all confiscated assets are preserved in accordance with national laws and international conventions. He firmly declared that Nigeria will not be a destination for stolen goods or a safe haven for illicit foreign wealth.