The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced the commencement of an investigation into a vessel apprehended by the Nigerian Navy Ship NNS FORMOSSO in Brass, Bayelsa State.
The vessel, named Bravo Alero, was found carrying 200 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil.
The commission disclosed this in a statement shared on its official X account on Friday.
The EFCC revealed that the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate has begun probing the vessel, which is believed to be linked to oil thieves operating in the Niger Delta.
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Captain Ifeanyichukwu Mabeokwu of NNS FORMOSSO commended the EFCC for its efforts and expressed confidence in their ability to conduct a thorough investigation and prosecute if necessary.
He also promised continued collaboration in combating illegal oil bunkering in the region.
Chief Superintendent Shittu Babatunde, representing the EFCC, assured the Navy of a swift and professional inquiry into the matter.
The statement reads, “Operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have commenced an investigation of a vessel: “Bravo Alero” suspected to belong to oil thieves in the Niger Delta area.
The vessel, arrested by Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS FORMOSSO, Brass, Bayelsa State and conveying 200 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, AGO, was handed over to the EFCC by the Navy for investigations and prosecution.
The Handing Over Officer, Commander M.A Gaga, who represented the Commanding Officer Forward Operating Base, FOB, FORMOSO, Captain Ifeanyichukwu Charles Mabeokwu, while thanking the EFCC, expressed confidence that the Commission would investigate the vessel and possibly prosecute it accordingly.
He also assured the Commission of continued synergy in the fight against illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta.
Receiving the vessel on behalf of the EFCC, Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Shittu Babatunde assured the Navy of prompt and professional investigation of the case.”
EFCC Commences Investigation of Vessel Arrested from Alleged Oil Thieves in Port Harcourt
Operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have commenced an investigation of a vessel: “Bravo Alero” suspected to belong to… pic.twitter.com/qqc4qdBrgz
— EFCC Nigeria (@officialEFCC) September 6, 2024
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