Navy lauds EFCC on handling cases of illegal oil bunkering

Base Commander of the Nigeria Navy Ship, NNS Victory, Calabar, Commander Ifeanyi Chidi Okpala, has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its professional handling of illegal oil bunkering cases.

Okpala gave the commendation in Calabar, Cross River State on Thursday when the Uyo Zonal Commander of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE Bawa Hamidu visited him in his office.

According to him, the Navy has always seen the EFCC as a better partner in the prosecution of maritime crimes.

“We have handed quite a number of cases to you, and they have been diligently prosecuted. I truly prefer handing over arrested cases to the EFCC because I know and I’m convinced that I can go to sleep when I hand over maritime arrests to you,” he said.

Okpala also commended the EFCC for always ensuring that functional working relationships are sustained between collaborating agencies, and for showing consistency in the professional manner in which it carried out its duties, as well as “its admirable level of courage, even in the face of obvious hazards.”

He added, “The establishment of the EFCC is one of the best decisions of government; though the Commission has huge burden resting on its young shoulders, it has not traded professionalism and has continued to display more courage and determination, even in the face of danger.”

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While responding, Bawa thanked the Navy for sustaining synergy with the EFCC over the years and for allowing the Commission’s maritime exhibits to remain in its domain, even after handing over seized vessels to the EFCC.

He said, “Thank you for understanding that the Commission is not involved in marine operations and the only place we can keep such exhibits is with you.”

In a related development, State Director of Security, Cross River State Command, Mrs. Promise Iheanacho, also commended the Uyo Zonal Command of the EFCC for achieving so much since it was established in 2017.

“I was the Director in charge of Akwa Ibom State Command when your office opened in 2017. I must say that you have been making progress. Please don’t let the pace drop, instead, sustain and improve on it,” she said.

Also, Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, Aminu Alhassan commended the Commission’s operatives for putting their well -acquired skills into a good use, stressing that the Police and the EFCC remain partners in progress.

“We are one and will always be,” he said.

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