Tempers flare as Tompolo’s Tantita, soldiers foil oil theft off Ondo coast – Newstrends
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Tempers flare as Tompolo’s Tantita, soldiers foil oil theft off Ondo coast

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5 months ago

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Tempers flare as Tompolo’s Tantita, soldiers foil oil theft off Ondo coast

Pipeline surveillance company, Tantita Security Services Limited has alerted the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, on the activities of an unmarked vessel purportedly involved in illegal bunkering activities off Ondo State coast

TSSL, which is owned by Chief (Dr) Government Ekpemupolo, said the unknown oil tanker was moored at an oil well jacket around the Oil Mining Leases (OML) 110 and 103 operated by Cavendish Petroleum Limited, and Consolidated Oil respectively.

In its report to NNPCL that was made available to The Nation, TSSL said its  operatives in Igbokoda axis of Ondo State were tipped off by its intelligence sources on the plot by a syndicate to steal crude oil from a well jacket in between the two OMLs.

“The loading of the ship was to commence just before 2200hrs local time on the 6th of December 2023. Tantita Security Operatives got confirmation that the unknown ship is on location and had made fast to the Well Jacket and that loading has commenced.

“At about 0300hrs, Tantita Security Operatives set out to secure the scene of the crime via two boats. While underway, information reached us that the ship had four AK-47 rifles and ammunition and we should proceed with caution.”

The firm also expressed concerns about possible collusion between the criminals, bad eggs within the NNPCL, and officials of the Nigerian Navy’s FOB around the vicinity of the crime.

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The letter signed by Captain Waredi Enisuoh identified a suspected oil dealer, who is currently facing charges of illegal bunkering (names withheld) as the mastermind of the plot.

The statement said the gang is working in league with an illegal bunkering and well jacket vandalism suspect based in Benin, Edo State, and appealed to the Nigerian Navy to allow its operative to bring the suspect to face the law

“As daylight, we approached the ship to have a clearer view. It was discovered that it had already connected hoses from the Wellhead to its deck and loading had commenced.

“By this time, an update also got to us that the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base has sent out gunboats in the direction of the crime scene as well. Their mission was to rescue the ship from the Tantita Operatives laying siege in the area and securing it from being boarded.”

Enisuoh said the two Navy gunboats and a speedboat donated to the Nigerian Navy by the Ondo State government stormed the area and started firing warning shots at its operatives forcing them abandon mission and wait for backup.

A video of the confrontation between the navy on one hand, and tteam comprising soldiers of the Nigerian Army and TSSL operatives, on the other hand showed the naval officers directing the TSSL team to backoff, saying, “we have authority to secure the area “

The group lamented that they were drawing fire from the navy, who should join them in protecting oil assets from theft.

Meanwhile the TSSL has denied a statement linking the organization to  illegalities around Awoye riverine area  by the Nigerian Navy.

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Reacting to the allegation  in a statement signed by the Executive Director – Operations and Technical Capt. Warredi Enisuoh, TSSL said: “Our attention has been drawn to a defamatory and libellous statement made by the Nigerian Navy against our organisation, Tantita Security Services Limited. In the statement made on Thursday the7th of December, 2023 by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, he informed the general public that the Nigerian Navy had detected and arrested a 77 meter long motor tanker for crude oil theft with her 17 crew members.

“He further added and we quote “it is believed that Tantita Security Services is involved in these illegalities because Awoye riverine area which is close to the place of arrest is covered by TSS.

Again it was upon the arrest of the vessel by the Nigerian Navy that TSS began to raise false alarm, totally unfounded and indeed mischievous.”

“We are indeed saddened and disappointed that the Nigerian Navy could descend so low as to make such bizarre accusations against our organisation knowing same to be false.

“Perhaps they are not aware that video evidence of what transpired between the Tantita operatives and the Nigerian Navy at the scene exists and has been transmitted to the highest authorities. We will therefore not join issues with the Nigerian Navy as we are well aware that Nigerians know who is who.”

Tempers flare as Tompolo’s Tantita, soldiers foil oil theft off Ondo coast

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Fire guts new NNPCL tank farm in Lagos

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13 hours ago

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May 17, 2024

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Fire guts new NNPCL tank farm in Lagos

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL Tank Farm at Kayode Street, Marine Beach, in the Apapa area of Lagos was on Friday was gutted by fire.

According to an eyewitness, Mr Tunde Are, the raging fire starter at about 11:00 am.

He said people ran helter-skelter to contain the fire before a rescue team arrived.

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The rescue team, led by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Authority, LASEMA, were still battling to put off the raging fire as of the time of filing this report.

The inferno, it was gathered, resulted from a spillage of petroleum products within the perimeter of the terminal

Confirming the incident, the Director, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs Margaret Adeseye, said concerted effort with various emergency responders within the oil and gas industry was on to contain the situation.

Fire guts new NNPCL tank farm in Lagos

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BREAKING: Cosmetic surgeon convicted over failed plastic surgery

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13 hours ago

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May 17, 2024

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Dr. Anuoluwapo Adepoju

BREAKING: Cosmetic surgeon convicted over failed plastic surgery

The Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted Dr. Anuoluwapo Adepoju, founder of MedContour Services Ltd., for her role in a botched plastic surgery resulting in the death of Nneka Onwuzuligbo in 2020, FIJ has reported.

Former Director-General of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Babatunde Irukera, announced the conviction via Twitter, expressing pride in prosecuting the case.

He emphasized the importance of accountability and the justice system’s role in societal growth.

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In his tweet, Irukera, tweeting as #TundeIrukera, wrote, “Today is a day of pride for me that I personally prosecuted Anu Adepoju and her medical practice. Though I’ve left, the case has ended in a conviction strengthening the accountability framework for all in society, professionals or otherwise. This is how society should work and grow.

“Dr. Anu Adepoju and her medical practice convicted in all 5 counts charged by FCCPC. The wheel of justice may grind slowly, but we must see it through. What we need are enforced with audacity and the will to prosecute competently and diligently. Good day for consumers of professional services.”

BREAKING: Cosmetic surgeon convicted over failed plastic surgery

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Two notorious kidnappers arrested in Taraba

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14 hours ago

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May 17, 2024

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Notorious kidnappers

Two notorious kidnappers arrested in Taraba

Troops of 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) of the Nigerian Army have arrested two alleged kidnappers identified as Nali Umaru and Abubakar Umaru in Pamanga village of Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The two suspects arrested said to be involved in incidents of kidnappings in the area were arrested on 16 May 2024 by troops from the 20 Model Battalion Sub-Sector 3A OPWS during a patrol to Pamanga Village.

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According to a statement by the Nigerian Army, Nali Umaru (26) from Jauromani and Abubakar Umaru (25) from Jauro Damji, both of Sunkani Local Government Area of Taraba State, confessed to being part of a notorious kidnapping gang operating in the general area.

The statement indicated that two locally made pistols, 60 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one round of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and two cartridges were recovered from the suspects.

“The arrest of these two suspected kidnappers underscores the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Army in eradicating all forms of criminal activities and instilling confidence in the residents in the state. The public is therefore encouraged to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely information on any suspicious activities in their communities,” the statement indicated.

Two notorious kidnappers arrested in Taraba

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