Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Economic Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has said that illegal oil bunkering activities was capable of crippling the country’s economy, if left unchecked.
South South Zonal Head of EFCC, Usman Imam, said this while receiving four barges impounded by operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Pathfinder, in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
Imam also commended the Nigerian Navy in its efforts of riding the nation of illegal oil activities.
He assured that the anti-graft agency will carry out a thorough investigation, and prosecute whoever is found culpable.
According to him, “Illegal oil bunkering is one of the most serious organised cross border crime, that is capable of destroying the economy of a nation.
“Especially nations like ours that has major input into our national purse coming from oil. If left unchecked, it is capable of bringing down the economy of a nation.
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“As we are taking over these vessels today, we are going to ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted and whoever that is found culpable irrespective of your status in the society will be prosectued.
“We will ensure that the investigation is speedy and it is conducted and concluded on time and whoever that is found culpable will be prosecuted accordingly.”
Handing over the barges, Executive Officer of NNS Pathfinder, Capt. Adegoke Eboh, disclosed that the four barges were impounded for involving in illegal oil bunkering activities.
