By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to close collaboration with law enforcement agencies, the military, and other relevant stakeholders in combating corruption and financial crimes.
Olukoyede made the assurance on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in Port Harcourt, during a scheduled visit by senior officers of the EFCC’s Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate to the Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder.
Speaking through the Acting Director of the Zonal Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE 1 Hassan Saidu, Olukoyede said such visits were a routine practice aimed at strengthening inter-agency ties, facilitating information sharing, and enhancing collaborative efforts in law enforcement operations.
He highlighted the long-standing partnership between the EFCC and the Nigeria Navy, noting that their joint efforts have been particularly effective in investigating and prosecuting cases of crude oil theft. “Since 2004, the Navy has collaborated with our organisation, especially in oil bunkering investigations. We rely on you to maintain custody of seized vessels because we do not have the capacity to do so ourselves,” Olukoyede said.
Saidu added that the successes recorded in prosecuting offenders involved in illegal oil bunkering were largely due to the strong synergy between the EFCC, the Navy, and the judiciary. “All our successes in these investigations would not have been possible without the Nigeria Navy. You make arrests, hand over suspects, and provide critical support. We are here to advance this collaboration even further,” he said.
Responding to the visit, the Commanding Officer of NNS Pathfinder, M.I. Raji, expressed appreciation for the EFCC’s recognition of the partnership. He acknowledged the Navy’s primary role in securing the nation’s maritime domain, while noting that it does not have prosecutorial powers.
Raji emphasized the importance of joint efforts in curbing illegal oil bunkering and other maritime crimes, linking it to the broader goal of growing Nigeria’s oil revenue under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. “We cannot achieve success without you, just as you cannot without us,” he said, underscoring the interdependence of both organisations in safeguarding the country’s resources.
The visit highlighted the shared commitment of the EFCC and the Nigeria Navy to strengthen collaboration, enhance maritime security, and combat economic and financial crimes that undermine national development.
