![EFCC Interrogates 14 Suspected Oil Thieves [Photocredit: X]](https://www.goldenpage.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image1-3-860x645.jpeg)
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced an investigation into 14 suspected oil thieves in Port Harcourt as part of its crackdown on illegal oil activities.
The operation, which began on Wednesday, witnessed the EFCC’s Port Harcourt Zonal Command assuming control of the case.
The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Formoso, Brass, Bayelsa State handed over the suspects and a Motor Fishing Trawler (MFT) named Hawwau Tanko, to the EFCC.
However, the arrest of the suspect stems from alleged illegal dealings in petroleum products.
A detachment of the 5th Battalion of the Nigerian Army apprehended the suspects around Fish Town Rivers in Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa State, on February 27, 2024.
Navy Captain Murtala Aminu Rogo, the Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base, disclosed that the vessel Hawwau Tanko was caught engaging in illegal bunkering.
Additionally, he emphasized the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to combatting crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.
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However, among the suspects are Kolapo Gafar, the vessel’s captain, and others including Monday Aresonor, Rasheed Rafiu, Kubi E. Wowo, Emmanuel Odey, and several others.
According to Rogo, the activities of these individuals constitute economic sabotage, a stance vehemently opposed by the Nigerian Navy.
Meanwhile, assistant Commander Ahmed Muhammed Ghali, the Zonal Commander of the EFCC in Port Harcourt, assured that the commission would conduct investigations and pursue prosecution if warranted.
Ghali commended the collaborative efforts between the EFCC and the Nigerian Navy, highlighting their shared commitment to fighting illegal oil activities.
He stated: ‘We will do everything within our powers to ensure that the activities of illegal oil bunkering are completely brought to the barest minimum and that the oil thieves are brought to face the wrath of the law,’
Ghali through Assistant Superintendent Salim Abubakar Sadiq, received the suspects and the vessel on behalf of the agency.
