EFCC operatives grill suspected oil thieves

By Ayox Ojo

Nine suspected oil thieves over their alleged illegal dealings in petroleum products at Asabo Oilfield in Qua Iboe Field area of Akwa Ibom State are now under going grilling by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The suspects were identified as Anthony Maxwell, Peter Francis, Sola Ilurimi, Emmanuel Effiong, Dickson Favour, Kolawole Ibojo, Shedrack Freeborn, Endurance Elisha and Luke Wisdom.

They were arrested on Monday February 23, 2026, at Asabo Oilfield in Qua Iboe Field area of Akwa Ibom State by officers of the Nigerian Navy Ship, Forward Operating Base, Ibaka.

The arrested suspects were eventually handed over to the EFCC on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, for further investigations.

While handing over the suspects, the Commanding Officer, Commodore Mohammed Abubakar Manga, said the suspects were conveying four Geepee Tanks laden with petroleum products suspected to be crude oil mixed with water via the wooden boat.

According to Commodore Manga, other items recovered from the suspects alongside the wooden boat include: four outboard engines, three pumping machines, four mobile phones, and two power banks.

Receiving the suspects, the Uyo Zonal Director of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Oshodi Johnson who was represented by Deputy Superintendent of the EFCC, DSE Taiwo Adetona, commended the Navy for its doggedness in combating illegal oil bunkering in the state and beyond.

The Zonal Director also thanked the Navy for its continued collaboration with the EFCC in the fight against economic sabotage and promised speedy investigation and possible prosecution of the suspects.