On April 3, 2024, operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) commenced an investigation into 14 suspected oil thieves, alongside a Motor Fishing Trawler (MFT) named Hawwau Tanko. This vessel was handed over to the Commission by the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Formoso, Brass, Bayelsa State.
The suspects and the vessel were apprehended for their alleged involvement in illegal petroleum product dealings. The arrest took place on February 27, 2024, by a detachment of the 5th Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Fish Town Rivers, Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa State. The Motor Fishing Trawler (MFT) Hawwau Tanko was found carrying approximately 10,000 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) at the time of arrest.
Navy Captain Murtala Aminu Rogo, the Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Formoso, stated that the Hawwau Tanko was apprehended for its alleged role in illegal bunkering. He emphasized the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to policing and enforcing maritime laws to combat crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, and other maritime crimes effectively.
The suspects, including Kolapo Gafar, the vessel’s captain, and others such as Monday Aresonor, Rasheed Rafiu, and Kolapo Abdullahi, were named. Captain Rogo highlighted that the actions of these individuals constitute economic sabotage, a stance vehemently opposed by the Nigerian Navy.
Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE 1 Ahmed Muhammed Ghali, Zonal Commander of the Port Harcourt Command, assured the Navy and the public of thorough investigation and potential prosecution of the suspects and exhibits. Ghali expressed gratitude for the collaboration between the EFCC and the Nigerian Navy, emphasizing their shared commitment to combatting illegal oil bunkering and ensuring perpetrators face legal consequences.
Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE 1 Salim Abubakar Sadiq, who received the suspects and the vessel on behalf of the EFCC, conveyed Ghali’s commitment to addressing illegal oil bunkering activities. He underscored their determination to minimize such activities and ensure offenders face justice within the confines of the law.
