The Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into 11 individuals suspected of involvement in oil theft, alongside an ocean-going vessel, MFT Trade Wind. This action follows the handover of the suspects and the vessel to the EFCC by the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO, Brass, Bayelsa State.
The suspects were apprehended by the Nigerian Navy on February 7, 2024, in the vicinity of Fish Town, Rivers State, while aboard the MFT Trade Wind, which was found to be carrying approximately 40,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
Navy Captain Murtala Aminu Rogo, the officer overseeing the handover, revealed that the MFT Trade Wind was intercepted by FOB FORMOSO on February 7, 2024, off the coast of Brass for suspected involvement in illegal bunkering. He further disclosed that the vessel was observed transferring some of its cargo to other ships at sea. Laboratory tests conducted on samples from the vessel confirmed the presence of illegally refined AGO.
Captain Rogo emphasized that the actions of the 11 suspected oil thieves and the vessel constitute economic sabotage, a stance the Nigerian Navy is resolute in opposing.
Assistant Commander of the EFCC, identified as ACE11, who received the suspects and the vessel on behalf of the EFCC, lauded the collaborative efforts between the Navy and the EFCC. He assured that thorough investigations would be conducted into the matter, with the possibility of prosecution for those implicated in the illegal activities.
