EFCC COMMENCES INVESTIGATION OF EIGHT SUSPECTED OIL THIEVES IN PORT HARCOURT

opeolumartinMarch 25, 2026March 25, 202603 mins

Port Harcourt, Rivers State | March 25, 2026

The Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced investigations into eight suspected oil thieves handed over to the Commission by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, Naval Base, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on March 23, 2026.

The suspects were arrested on Sunday, March 22, 2026, by the Anti-Crude Oil Theft (Anti-COT) Team of NNS Pathfinder during a routine patrol around Degema, Ogbogoro, and Ogbologo general areas of operation in Rivers State. They were apprehended alongside two boats conveying 44,000 (forty-four thousand) litres of petroleum products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

Speaking during the handover, Lieutenant Commander J. J. Jerome, who represented the Base Commander, disclosed that the operation was based on credible intelligence. According to him, “on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at about 22:15 hours, the Anti-COT Team from NNS Pathfinder departed the jetty for a routine patrol following credible intelligence on ongoing illegal activities within Degema, Ogbogoro, and Ogbologo areas of Rivers State. At about 01:15 hours on March 22, 2026, the patrol team encountered a large wooden boat escorted by armed elements suspected to be affiliated with criminal groups, who fled upon sighting the Naval patrol team.”

He further explained that a subsequent search led to the interception of two wooden boats laden with 423 sacks of products suspected to be illegally refined AGO, estimated at 44,000 litres. Consequently, eight suspects were arrested in connection with the illegal activities.

Jerome noted that the handover of the suspects was in compliance with the Harmonized Standard Operating Procedure on Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution of Vessels and Persons in Nigeria’s Maritime Environment.

Receiving the suspects and exhibits on behalf of the EFCC, Superintendent of EFCC, S.E. Emerole Chioma, who stood in for the Acting Zonal Director, commended the Nigerian Navy for its synergy and collaborative efforts in ensuring a safer maritime environment. She emphasized that investigating and prosecuting such economic crimes falls within the Commission’s mandate.

Chioma assured that thorough investigations would be conducted and that the suspects would be prosecuted where necessary, in the interest of justice.