EFCC launches probe into eight suspected oil thieves in Rivers

The Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially commenced a full-scale investigation into the activities of eight suspected oil thieves.

The suspects were handed over to the Commission on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder following their arrest during a high-stakes maritime operation.

The suspects were apprehended in the early hours of Sunday, March 22, 2026, by the Navy’s Anti-Crude Oil Theft (Anti-COT) Team.

The operation, which took place around the Degema, Ogbogoro, and Ogbologo general areas of Rivers State, resulted in the seizure of two large wooden boats laden with an estimated 44,000 litres of petroleum products.

The cargo, concealed in 423 sacks, is suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

Detailing the encounter during the handover ceremony, Lt. Commander J.J. Jerome, representing the Base Commander of NNS Pathfinder, revealed that the patrol team acted on credible intelligence regarding illegal activities in the region.

At approximately 01:15 hrs on Sunday, the naval team encountered a large wooden boat escorted by armed elements believed to be affiliated with criminal syndicates. Upon sighting the naval vessel, the armed escorts fled the scene, allowing the Navy to secure the boats and arrest the eight individuals found on board.

Lt. Commander Jerome emphasized that the transfer of the suspects to the EFCC aligns strictly with the Harmonized Standard Operating Procedure on the Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution of Vessels and Persons within Nigeria’s Maritime Environment.

He noted that the successful interception underscores the military's commitment to sanitizing the nation's waterways from economic saboteurs.

Receiving the suspects and the seized exhibits on behalf of the EFCC, Superintendent Chioma Emerole, representing the Acting Zonal Director, praised the Nigerian Navy for its continued synergy and collaborative spirit.

She remarked that the Commission remains steadfast in its mandate to investigate and prosecute economic crimes that undermine the nation's resources.

Superintendent Emerole assured the public that the EFCC would conduct a thorough investigation to ensure that the suspects face the full weight of the law in the interest of justice.