Friday, July 17, 2026

Navy hands over nine suspected oil thieves arrested in Akwa Ibom to EFCC

The commander warned perpetrators of illegal maritime activities to desist immediately.

• February 25, 2026
Nigerian Navy
Nigerian Navy

The Nigerian Navy Shipyard (NNS) Jubilee, on Wednesday, handed over nine suspected oil thieves arrested in Akwa Ibom State to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The Commander, Commodore Mohammed Manga, told journalists in Ibaka that the suspects were apprehended over oil theft and illegal bunkering activities in the state.

Mr Manga said that on Monday, men of the command apprehended the suspects with a wooden boat at an oil platform situated offshore Asabo Oil Field in Akwa Ibom State.

The commander said that the boat and the nine-man crew members were intercepted while attempting to illegally siphon crude oil from the platform.

“The wooden boat and the tools used for the illicit activity were confiscated in line with extant regulations and operational procedures,” he said.

He said that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were engaged in illegal bunkering activities.

“Illegal oil bunkering is a criminal act that undermines Nigeria’s economic stability, and threatens maritime security. It causes significant environmental degradation,” he stated.

Mr Manga said that the navy had intensified its anti-illegal bunkering operations within the state to ensure that the nation’s oil assets were safe.

“The base is committed to combating maritime crimes within its area of operations. This arrest is part of sustained operational efforts aimed at actualising the strategic directives of the chief of the naval staff.

“Our patrols are strategically designed to protect critical national assets, safeguard offshore and coastal infrastructure, and secure commercial maritime routes within our operational environment,” he said.

The commander warned perpetrators of illegal maritime activities to desist immediately, saying that the navy remains resolute in its constitutional mandate to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain.

Receiving the suspects and exhibits on behalf of the EFCC, Taiwo Adetona, said that the commission would ensure a thorough investigation on the matter, and those found liable would be prosecuted accordingly. (NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Garfield Sobers

Sport

Cricket icon Garfield Sobers dies at 89

He was knighted after retiring from the sport in 1974.

Oluyemisi Rosiji

Lagos

Lagos council chairman lauds community over voters’ awareness campaign

She said the committee’s efforts on registration, transfer, data correction and PVC validation support the administration’s drive to boost democratic participation in Ojokoro LCDA.

Uba Sani of Kaduna State (Credit: Twitter)

States

Uba Sani compensates residents over road projects

The governor inaugurated the distribution of cheques in Basawa, Sabon Gari Local Government Area, on Friday.

Court room

Lagos

Disengaged soldier arraigned for allegedly stealing motorcycle

The magistrate adjourned the case until August 13 for mention.

Fertilizer bags

Agriculture

FG distributes 20,160 bags of fertilisers to Lagos farmers

The initiative is being implemented through the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

Heading 1

Oyo School Abduction: FG arraigns three suspects on terrorism charges

The defendants were charged with a 10-count charge of terrorism, kidnapping, concealment, incitement and illegal mining.