Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, has accused the Nigerian Navy of hindering the Federal Government’s efforts to combat crude oil theft.
He stated that the Navy’s actions are obstructing the protection of Nigeria’s oil pipelines and complicating the operations of his security firm.
Tompolo made the comments during a visit by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) to Oporoza, the headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta State.
The NBA delegation, led by Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, visited to learn more about the challenges faced by Tantita Security in safeguarding Nigeria’s oil assets.
The former Niger Delta militant leader revealed that just days prior to the visit, members of the Nigerian Navy attacked Tantita operatives while they were apprehending suspected oil thieves along the Port-Harcourt creeks in Rivers State.
According to Tompolo, the Navy personnel fired on Tantita’s team, despite the presence of police, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officers.
Tompolo expressed frustration over these repeated confrontations with the Navy, calling for more synergy between the Navy and other security agencies to effectively tackle the issue of oil theft.
He warned that the sabotage of anti-oil theft operations by certain elements within the Navy could have devastating consequences for Nigeria’s economy. He pointed to the country’s current security challenges and rising cost of living, including the skyrocketing price of food, as signs that the nation is at risk if the issue is not addressed.
He also appealed to the NBA for support in holding those involved in oil theft accountable, pointing out that suspects are often quickly defended by high-profile lawyers, which complicates the judicial process.
In response, NBA President Mazi Osigwe commended Tantita Security’s efforts in protecting Nigeria’s oil pipelines and acknowledged the difficulties faced by the security firm.
He stressed the importance of greater collaboration between all parties to tackle oil theft. The NBA also reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying advocacy against oil theft, which has negatively impacted Nigeria’s foreign reserves and hindered the government’s ability to deliver essential services to its citizens.
