RismadarVoice Reporters
March 4, 2026
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has reiterated the Commission’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with relevant stakeholders, law enforcement agencies, and the military in the fight against corruption and financial crimes.
Olukoyede gave the assurance on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in Port Harcourt when senior officers of the EFCC’s Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate paid a scheduled visit to the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder.
Speaking on his behalf, the Acting Zonal Director, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE I) Hassan Saidu, said inter-agency visits were a longstanding tradition among security organisations aimed at deepening cooperation, enhancing intelligence sharing, and improving operational strategies.
He noted that the EFCC and the Nigerian Navy have maintained a strong working relationship since the Commission’s inception in 2004, particularly in the investigation and prosecution of crude oil theft and illegal oil bunkering cases.
“Right from 2004 when we started operations, your personnel have been collaborating with us. We work closely in investigating and prosecuting oil bunkering cases. We do not have control of the waterways; you do. You also maintain custody of seized vessels, which we lack the capacity to do,” Saidu stated.
He attributed the successes recorded in tackling crude oil theft to the synergy between the EFCC, the Nigerian Navy, and the judiciary, emphasizing that effective prosecution depends on coordinated efforts.
“If you are not there to make arrests and hand suspects over to us, we have little to do. NNS Pathfinder is paramount to our operations. This command even organised swimming training for our officers, which is commendable. We are here to further strengthen that collaboration,” he added.
Responding, the Commanding Officer of NNS Pathfinder, Commodore M.I. Raji, welcomed the EFCC delegation and acknowledged the productive partnership between both institutions.
“It is a great delight to have you in our midst. We appreciate the recognition of the synergy and collaborative efforts we share,” he said.
Commodore Raji explained that while the Nigerian Navy is responsible for securing the nation’s maritime domain and making arrests on the waterways, it does not possess prosecutorial powers, underscoring the importance of the EFCC’s role in ensuring offenders are brought to justice.
He added that boosting Nigeria’s oil revenue remains a key objective of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, noting that the goal can only be realized through decisive action against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, and other maritime crimes.
“We cannot succeed without you, and you cannot succeed without us,” he said, reaffirming the Navy’s commitment to sustained collaboration with the EFCC.
