EFCC, Navy, others join hands in fight against oil theft

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies have united their voices in the struggle against illegal oil theft.

Michael T. Wetkas, the Lagos EFCC Zonal Commander, during his visit to the Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Navy Ship, Beecroft, Apapa, Lagos, K.O. Oguntuga, on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.

Speaking with the Navy Commander, Wetkas unveiled his dedication to partner with other security agencies, including the Nigerian Navy, in the fight against economic and financial crimes.

He re-emphasised the past collaboration between the two agencies, with the Navy acting as a crime detector and the EFCC as the prosecutor.

“The Commission had secured 37 convictions out of the 54 cases handed to it by the Navy,” Wetkas said.

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He added: “Others are in court and a few are still under investigation.”

Reacting to the statement of the EFCC boss, Oguntuga restated his commitment to continuous collaboration and therefore called for enhanced communication between the two parties.

He mentioned, “No nation, organization or person can do it alone. We need one another to close the gaps so that the criminals we are chasing will not be able to catch up on this gap.

“So, this is why our collaboration is very critical and we will be taking it to greater heights.

“We can be stronger with collaborative measures. That is how we can protect our nation. We all need each other.”

Also, the EFCC Commander played host to Officers of the Squadron 23, Police Mobile Force, in a related development.

While speaking with EFCC boss, the PMF team lead, ACP I. Daniel, who called for more robust partnership and synergy, stated his hopes in the sustainability of the existing collaboration in the fight against corruption and economic and financial crimes.

He said, “The essence of my coming is to familiarise myself with the officers here so that we can know each other better and strengthen the already existing relationship.

“It is important to establish relationships because nobody can do it alone. We all need to partner with one other.”

In his remarks, Wetkas expressed his commitment to building on the existing relationship, saying, “I am delighted to receive a colleague on this visit. The EFCC cannot write its history without the Nigeria Police Force and we are thankful for the assistance that we have received.

“We will continue to partner for a very robust relationship in achieving a Nigeria free of criminalities.”