EFCC begins probe of eight suspected oil thieves in Port Harcourt
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced an investigation into eight suspected oil thieves handed over by the Nigerian Navy in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The suspects were
- By Udeh Onyebuchi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced an investigation into eight suspected oil thieves handed over by the Nigerian Navy in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The suspects were transferred to the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the EFCC on March 23, 2026, by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder following their arrest during a routine anti-crude oil theft patrol.
According to naval authorities, the suspects were apprehended on Sunday, March 22, 2026, by the Anti-Crude Oil Theft (Anti-COT) Team of NNS Pathfinder in the Degema, Ogbogoro, and Ogbologo operational areas of Rivers State.
They were arrested alongside two wooden boats conveying about 44,000 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 regarding ongoing illegal activities in the area.
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He explained that the patrol team departed the NNS Pathfinder jetty late on March 21 and encountered suspicious movements in the early hours of March 22.
According to him, the team sighted a large wooden boat escorted by armed individuals believed to be linked to criminal groups, who fled upon noticing the naval patrol.
“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,” he said.
He added that the handover of the suspects and exhibits was carried out in line with the Harmonised Standard Operating Procedure on Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution of Vessels and Persons in Nigeria’s Maritime Environment.
Receiving the suspects on behalf of the EFCC, Superintendent of the Commission, S.E. Emerole Chioma, who represented the Acting Zonal Director in Port Harcourt, commended the Nigerian Navy for its continued collaboration.
She commended the Navy for its synergy and collaborative efforts in ensuring a safer maritime environment, adding that it is part of the Commission’s mandate to investigate and prosecute such economic crimes and other related offences
Chioma assured that further investigation and possible prosecution of suspects will be carried out in the interest of justice.
