The Nigerian Navy, on Tuesday, handed over 22 suspected oil thieves to the Economic and Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The suspects were handed over to the anti-graft agency alongside their two vessels which they allegedly used to steal crude oil.
The EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
He identified the vessels as MT Platform and MV Caribbean Crest.
The Commanding officer of the Navy, Forward Operating Base, Bonny, Rivers State, M.G. Munza, said one of the vessels, MV Caribbean Crest and her crew members were arrested on 15 February, according to the statement.
Mr Munza, a lieutenant commander in the Navy, said they were arrested at the Bonny Fairway Buoy with an unspecified quantity of stolen petroleum product suspected to be automotive gas oil.
He said the MT Platform was intercepted on 8 June in the vicinity of the Bonny Anchorage for illegal dealing in petroleum products.
The Navy official said the suspects did not have any authority or certificate from the appropriate authority to ply Nigerian waters.
He gave the suspects names as, Michael Emberru, Ebiegberi Inengibo, Michael Audu, Gaius Ajakaiye, Edward Igbomgbo, Collins Ndubisi, James Eyak, Ezebri Ayakpo, Joseph Okokon and Michael Wali.
Others are Ayo Adediran, White Kelvin, Shola Martins-Biyi, Ajayi Ekundayo, Olusegun Olowu, Samson Etim, John Michael, Kelechi Nwafor, Popoola Felix, Ishola Adetunji, Sunny Omachekeji and Solomon Onuh.
The suspects and their vessels were handed over to Arasah Shaka, the Deputy Superintendent of the EFCC, Port Harcourt Zonal Command.
Mr Shaka thanked the Navy for their efforts in safeguarding the nation’s territorial waters, adding that the EFCC was happy with them for their collaboration in fighting economic crimes in the country.
