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

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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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.”