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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1 year 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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Police Inspector found dead in hotel room as female friend flees

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15 hours ago

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February 16, 2025

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Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Odutola
Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Odutola

Police Inspector found dead in hotel room as female friend flees

A police inspector, Haruna Mohammed, has been found died in a hotel in Ogun State.

His lifeless body was reportedly found on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the hotel located in Anthony Uzum Estate, Oyeyemi Akute.

According to reports, he had checked into the establishment around 1am with an unidentified female companion, who has since disappeared.

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A report by SaharaReporters quoted a police memo as stating that the hotel manager noticed the room was left unlocked at approximately 8:52 a.m.

Upon inspection, she found the inspector’s body, but there was no sign of the woman.

The hotel owner promptly alerted the authorities.

The memo also revealed that the missing woman had been seen at the reception around 6am, where she requested a bottle of table water.

Law enforcement officials have classified the inspector’s death as “unnatural.”

His remains were taken to Life Channel Mortuary in Olambe, near Akute.

Police Inspector found dead in hotel room as female friend flees

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NAFDAC uncovers illicit pharmaceuticals at Idumota Lagos, seals 3,000 shops

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16 hours ago

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February 16, 2025

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NAFDAC uncovers illicit pharmaceuticals at Idumota Lagos, seals 3,000 shops

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed over 3,000 shops in Lagos’ Idumota Open Drug Market during the first week of its enforcement operations.

The agency disclosed this on its X handle on Saturday.

Among the alarming discoveries were vaccines stored in dilapidated, unventilated rooms sealed with iron sheets in highly unsanitary conditions.

They also found large consignments of banned pharmaceuticals, including Analgin injections, diverted-free HIV antiretroviral drugs, expired medicines awaiting revalidation, and unregistered drugs.

According to NAFDAC, illicit pharmaceuticals equivalent to 12 truckloads were evacuated from the market.

Additionally, empty packs and cartons of expired, unregistered antimalarial injections were discovered inside a packing shop, with the vials already removed.

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In a separate warehouse within the market, but away from the pharmaceutical section, officials uncovered large quantities of controlled substances, including Ecstasy (MDMA or Molly), various brands of Codeine Cough Syrup, and Tramadol 225.

NAFDAC stressed its commitment to clamping down on illegal drug markets to protect public health and ensure the safety of medicines available in Nigeria.

NAFDAC’s ongoing crackdown on fake and substandard medicines has led to the sealing of major drug markets across Nigeria, including the Idumota open drug market in Lagos, the Ariaria drug market in Aba, and the Onitsha drug market in Anambra.

The agency’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Mr. Shaba Mohammed, said the week-long enforcement exercise was happening simultaneously across the three markets, which serve as distribution hubs for over 80% of medications in Nigeria..

As part of the exercise, over 5,000 shops, including warehouses and packaging stores, will be inspected to identify and remove substandard medical products.

So far, NAFDAC has confiscated seven truckloads of suspected falsified drugs, expired medicines, and drugs labeled with images of human parts.

In a related operation, on February 14th, the agency uncovered a major counterfeiting depot at Umumeje village, Osisioma Ngwa, Abia State.

Officials discovered that expired medicines were being repackaged and revalidated for resale.

During the raid, large quantities of expired potassium chloride, allergy medications, immune boosters, and cholesterol treatments were confiscated.

Machinery used to alter expiry dates and rebrand drugs was also found.

NAFDAC uncovers illicit pharmaceuticals at Idumota Lagos, seals 3,000 shops

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Police in Ogun arrest 20 youths on truck with dangerous weapons

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16 hours ago

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February 16, 2025

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Police in Ogun arrest 20 youths on truck with dangerous weapons

The Police have intercepted 20 youths with dangerous weapons while alighting from a truck along the Ogun and Oyo State boundary on Saturday.

Ogun Police Command spokesperson, CSP Omotola Odutola announced this on Saturday in a statement.

According to the statement, the youths were intercepted by Ogun Commissioner of Police Lanre Ogunlowo during his routine patrol in the boundary between Oyo and Ogun States.

Ogunlowp ordered a search on the 20 youths and this led to the discovery of the various kinds of dangerous weapons on their bodies.

She said, “The youths were intercepted during CP Ogunlowo’s routine weekend patrol along the Eledumare, Bamboo, Fidiwo, Foursquare, Alapako and Onigari axis, all within Ogun and bordering Oyo state.

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“He observed that the group did not declare a clear destination and satisfactory explanation for their movement.

“Acting on his sound professional instincts, he ordered a search of their persons and belongings and dangerous weapons were recovered, which included daggers, knives, cutlasses and objects suspected to be charms, among others.”

Odutola said the CP, following the discovery, directed the immediate detention of the youths and ordered the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) to conduct thorough profiling.

“The CP further instructed that anyone found culpable should be swiftly charged to court to ensure justice is served,” she said.

The Command Spokesperson said the CP has consequently further reaffirmed his commitment to proactive policing and community engagement.

“The Police, with this, assure the residents of Ogun that it would continue to intensify efforts on crime prevention, intelligence-gathering and prompt law enforcement.

“The CP therefore urge members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest Police formation for timely intervention.

“The Ogun Police Command remain dedicated to safeguarding lives and property, and it will not relent in its duty to rid the state of criminal elements,” Odutola said.

Police in Ogun arrest 20 youths on truck with dangerous weapons

(NAN)

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