The Nigerian Army late last night announced that it has sent 12 top officers to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) for investigation.

They comprise of “3 serving Major Generals, and one retired, 3 Brigadier Generals, 4 Colonels and 1 Lieutenant Colonel,” Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, said. He disclosed in a statement that “at the end of the Commission’s investigations those found culpable will be tried by a Military Court Martial.”

Col. Usman did not disclose the names of those involved.

In a related development, the Nigerian Army has said that its partnership with EFCC is essential to curb oil theft in the country.

Brig Gen S. O. Olabanji, Commander, 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, said that EFCC remains pivotal in the military’s efforts to check oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the country.

He also pledged the army’s support to the EFCC in carrying out the onerous task of sanitising the oil industry.

Brig Gen Olabanji gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to the EFCC’s zonal office in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, February 10.

Noting that oil theft contributed to the sabotage of the Nigerian economy, he said: “I am aware that part of the mandates of the EFCC is to prosecute any person or group that is involved in any form of economic sabotage.”

The Brigade Commander stated that the Nigerian Army would assist the EFCC in the area of information gathering.

“There should be a synergy of government agencies in Port Harcourt, particularly the South-south zone so that we can find a lasting solution to the issue of oil theft, and tackle the issue of vandalism,” he said.

On his part, EFCC Zonal Head, Ishaq Salihu, appreciated the Brigade Commander for his kind words, and promises.

“Your presence will go a long way in not only solidifying an already existing relationship between the EFCC and the Nigerian Army, but will go a long way in the joint fight against oil theft/bunkering,” he said.

Salihu added that the agency had hope and confidence in the army to partner the agency in the fight against the menace of pipeline vandalism, oil theft and other economic and financial crimes.

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