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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders, security agencies and the military in the ongoing fight against corruption and economic crimes.
Olukoyede gave the assurance on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in Port Harcourt when senior officials of the EFCC’s Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate paid a scheduled courtesy visit to the Nigeria Navy Ship Pathfinder.
Represented by the Acting Zonal Director and Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE Hassan Saidu, the EFCC chairman described inter-agency visits as a long-standing practice among law enforcement bodies aimed at reinforcing institutional ties, improving intelligence sharing and enhancing operational efficiency.
He noted that the EFCC and the Nigerian Navy have sustained a productive working relationship since the Commission’s inception in 2004, particularly in tackling crude oil theft and illegal bunkering.
“From the very beginning of our operations, your officers have worked closely with us. Our collaboration in investigating and prosecuting oil bunkering cases has been instrumental,” Saidu said on behalf of Olukoyede.
He acknowledged the Navy’s critical role in maritime enforcement, stressing that the EFCC relies heavily on naval support in areas beyond its statutory capacity.
“We do not control the waterways. The Navy has jurisdiction over the maritime domain and the capacity to secure and maintain custody of seized vessels. That support is indispensable to our work,” he stated.
Saidu attributed the Commission’s successes in prosecuting oil thieves and illegal bunkering syndicates to the synergy between the EFCC, the Navy and the judiciary.
“Our achievements in this sector cannot be discussed without mentioning the judiciary and the Nigerian Navy. Without your arrests and handover of suspects, our prosecutorial mandate would be difficult to execute,” he said.
He also commended the NNS Pathfinder command for conducting swimming training for EFCC personnel, describing the gesture as a demonstration of practical and operational cooperation. He added that the visit was aimed at further deepening the partnership.
In his response, the Commanding Officer of NNS Pathfinder, M.I. Raji, welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the recognition of the Navy’s role.
“It is a pleasure to host you. We value the collaborative efforts and synergy that exist between our organisations,” Raji said.
While reiterating the Navy’s mandate to secure the nation’s maritime domain and effect arrests on the waterways, Raji emphasized that the service does not possess prosecutorial powers, underscoring the necessity of working closely with the EFCC.
He further linked the anti-oil theft campaign to the broader economic objectives of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, noting that boosting Nigeria’s oil revenue depends largely on curbing crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes.
“We cannot succeed without each other. Our roles are complementary. When we make arrests, you prosecute. That synergy is critical to protecting the nation’s resources and strengthening its economy,” he added.