EFCC apprehends 14 suspected oil thieves in Rivers

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), in a joint operation with the Nigerian Navy, apprehended14 persons suspected to be involved in illegal oil bunkering in Port Harcourt.

In the operation, which commenced on April 3, the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of EFCC launched an investigation into the activities of the suspects in a Motor Fishing Trawler (MFT) named Hawwau Tanko, which was handed over by the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Formoso, Brass, Bayelsa State.

The suspects and the vessel were intercepted by a detachment of the 5th Battalion of the Nigerian Army on February 27, around Fish Town Rivers, Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa State. They were allegedly found in possession of approximately 10,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base, Navy Captain Murtala Aminu Rogo, emphasised the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to combating crude oil theft and illegal oil bunkering activities in the maritime domain. The suspects, including the vessel’s captain, Kolapo Gafar, and others such as Monday Aresonor and Rasheed Rafiu, were handed over to the EFCC for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Zonal Commander of the EFCC, Assistant Commander Ahmed Muhammed Ghali, reiterated the agency’s dedication to curbing illegal oil bunkering activities, commending the collaboration between the EFCC and the Nigerian Navy. Assistant Superintendent Salim Abubakar Sadiq, representing the EFCC, received the suspects and the vessel on behalf of the commission.

The EFCC assured the public that thorough investigations would be conducted, and the perpetrators of illegal oil bunkering would face the full force of the law. This collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies underscores the commitment to combating economic sabotage and ensuring the integrity of Nigeria’s maritime sector.