The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Directorate, has announced the commencement of an investigation into nine suspected oil thieves apprehended for alleged illegal dealings in petroleum products.
The suspects, identified as Anthony Maxwell, Peter Francis, Sola Ilurimi, Emmanuel Effiong, Dickson Favour, Kolawole Ibojo, Shedrack Freeborn, Endurance Elisha, and Luke Wisdom, were arrested on Monday, February 23, 2026.
According to a statement released by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media & Publicity for the EFCC, the arrest was conducted by officers of the Nigerian Navy Ship, Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, at the Asabo Oilfield within the Qua Iboe Field area of Akwa Ibom State.
The crew was transferred to the EFCC on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, for further investigation and prosecution.
During the handover ceremony, the Commanding Officer, Commodore Mohammed Abubakar Manga, detailed the circumstances of the arrest.
“The suspects were conveying four Geepee Tanks laden with petroleum products suspected to be crude oil mixed with water via the wooden boat,” Commodore Manga stated.
In addition to the wooden boat, naval authorities recovered four outboard engines, three pumping machines, four mobile phones, and two power banks from the suspects.
Receiving the suspects on behalf of the commission, the Uyo Zonal Director of the EFCC, ACE1 Oshodi Johnson, commended the Nigerian Navy for its persistent efforts in combating illegal oil bunkering in the region.
Represented by Deputy Superintendent of the EFCC (DSE) Taiwo Adetona, Johnson expressed gratitude for the continued partnership between the two agencies.
“We thank the Navy for its continued collaboration with the EFCC in the fight against economic sabotage,” said DSE Adetona, pledging a “speedy investigation and possible prosecution of the suspects.”
