The Nigerian Navy and Tantita Security Services Limited, a private firm owned by Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, have exchanged accusations over responsibility for the ongoing oil theft in the Niger Delta region, News About Nigeria reports.
Tompolo alleged on Tuesday that the Navy is obstructing efforts to address and ultimately end crude oil theft in the region.
He claimed that the Navy is complicit in sabotaging initiatives to combat oil theft effectively.
Tompolo further stated that the standoff between Tantita Security Services Limited and the Navy is hindering his company’s operations in safeguarding Nigeria’s oil pipelines across critical areas in the Niger Delta.
According to him, whenever oil thieves are apprehended, influential individuals, referred to as “big men,” intervene to secure their release using legal channels.
“Just a few days ago, our team intercepted a vessel in Port Harcourt, and the Navy opened fire on Tantita Security while we were accompanied by the police, DSS, and Civil Defence,” he claimed.
The Navy, however, has denied these accusations.
It described the allegations as false, emphasizing that the service has recorded numerous successes in tackling oil theft in the region.
The spokesperson of the Nigerian Navy, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, dismissed Tantita’s claims, stating, “Whatever Tantita Security must have said is false. The Nigerian Navy’s operational successes in combating oil theft are well-documented.”
He added that the Navy would not engage in a public dispute with Tantita, reiterating its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime resources.
