By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Formoso has handed over the vessel MV Bravo Alero, laden with approximately 200,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), along with its three crew members, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The handover took place at Brass Island in Bayelsa State.
According to the Commanding Officer of FOB Formoso, Navy Captain Ifeayin-Chukwu Charles Mabeku, who was represented by the Executive Officer, Commander Muhammed Gada, the vessel was intercepted on June 8, 2024, by the Quick Response Force of Operation Delta Safe, with reinforcement support from FOB Formoso.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Commander Gada highlighted the Navy’s ongoing efforts to secure the waterways of Bayelsa and curb illicit activities, including oil theft and illegal bunkering.
The Nigerian Navy said it remained committed to its mandate of safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain, particularly in the Niger Delta region, by preventing criminal activities such as illegal oil refining and smuggling.
Receiving the vessel on behalf of the anti-graft commission, Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, Mr Shittu Babatunde assured the Navy of prompt and professional investigation of the case.
Meanwhile, the EFCC said operatives of its Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate have commenced investigation of the vessel.
