A security outfit known as Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has debunked rumours that it was involved in the military invasion of Igbomotoru in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, News About Nigeria reports.
In a statement signed by its State Coordinator, Bayelsa Operations, Joshua Maciver, on Monday, the firm refuted the report claiming its involvement in the military-gunboat invasion, which led to Sunday’s protest by the people of the riverine community.
Earlier reports stated that youths, men, women, and chiefs of Igbomotoru staged a peaceful demonstration on Sunday, alleging that the military onslaught was at the insistence of Maciver, who served as the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s deputy gubernatorial candidate in the recently concluded governorship election in the state.
According to the youths, Maciver was the mastermind behind the operation, which aimed to oppress them and install one Friday Jonathan, rejected as the paramount ruler of the community.
They also claimed that the APC chieftain was utilizing his connections with Tantita to create chaos in the community.
Maciver, however, described the allegations as baseless, stating that Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, a private security company, does not have the authority to command federal forces.
Instead, it provides credible intelligence to guide federal forces in combating perceived threats and illegal bunkering activities.
Additionally, the Tantita security chief emphasized that the deployment of the Nigerian Army and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps was not to intimidate law-abiding citizens conducting lawful businesses but to address illegal bunkering activities.
