EFCC vows to step up fight against vandalism, crude oil theft

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has vowed to step up the fight against vandalism, crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other vices in the Niger Delta region.

The new Head of Operations, EFCC Port Harcourt zone, Nnagbe Obon Itam, made the pledge yesterday in Port Harcourt during a formal media presentation.According to Itam; “We know there is the challenge of vandalism, oil bunkering, crude oil theft in the zone and we are determined to reduce the corruption trend in the zone.

“EFCC is going hard to fight the corruption in the oil sector, we will fight them headlong. The South-south zone is the base of the nation’s economy. So with the partnership of the security agencies and the public, we will end the economic crimes against the nation.

“All crimes in the oil sector are illegal activities and economic crimes, that is why the anti corruption body is here to fight activities that impede the nation’s economy.”

The EFCC zonal boss assured that no case of oil theft, bunkering and others that comes to the agency would be swept under the carpet no matter how highly placed the individual may be.

He said every case would be treated and prosecuted accordingly, vowing that the agency would ensure that the perpetrator is brought to book.He attributed the delay in administering justice to culprits to the problems within the chain of arrest and investigation.

He said, “A lot of challenges along the chain of arrest hampers prosecution. From the receiving point to the interception point, sometimes the evidences are not properly documented and that hampers the processes of prosecution.’’ He however, noted that accurate exchange of ideas between the agencies and better synergy would yield better results.Itam until his new appointment was the Director, Internal Affairs, EFCC corporate headquarters, Abuja. He succeeded Ishaq Salihu.