The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into eight suspected oil thieves in Port Harcourt after they were handed over by the Nigerian Navy.

In a statement shared on its official X account, the commission said the suspects were transferred to its custody by Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder on March 23, 2026.

According to the EFCC, the suspects had earlier been arrested on March 22 by the Navy’s Anti-Crude Oil Theft team during a patrol around Degema, Ogbogoro and Ogbologo areas of Rivers State.

They were reportedly apprehended alongside two boats carrying about 44,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

Speaking during the handover, a representative of the Naval Base Commander, J. J. Jerome, said the operation was carried out based on intelligence reports about illegal activities in the area.

He explained that the patrol team left the base around 10:15 p.m. on March 21 for a routine operation and later intercepted two wooden boats loaded with products believed to be illegally refined AGO in the early hours of the following day.

Jerome added that some armed escorts accompanying the boats fled when they sighted the naval team, while eight suspects were arrested in connection with the incident.

He noted that the suspects were handed over to the EFCC in line with established procedures for handling and prosecuting maritime-related offences.