The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 17 suspects for allegedly being involved in renewed hostilities and attacks on oil and gas installations in the Niger Delta region.
The arrest was made by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’S SIS) in a tactically coordinated intelligence-based operation, according to a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Corps, Babawale Afolabi, on Monday in Abuja.
The suspects were said to have been involved in attacking NSCDC operatives and the Tantita Security Service base, which led to the killing of Assistant Superintendent Umar Aliyu, with service number 6363, and the theft of a speedboat belonging to Tantita Security Services.
Speaking on the arrest, the CG’S SIS boss, Commandant AS Dandaura, disclosed that a high-profile syndicate of 17 sea pirates was apprehended by his men in collaboration with other sister security agencies, following an intelligence-based coordinated operation at Tonogbe, Ekeremo Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, on 6th March 2025.
“Earlier, on 21st January 2025, there was an attack against the Joint Task Force, comprising operatives of the NSCDC and Tantita Security Services, at their base in Torugbene II unit, Ekeremo LGA, Bayelsa State, by suspected vandals and sea pirates who were heavily armed with sophisticated weapons.
“Upon arrival at the base, they fired sporadically at the officers and innocent civilians, leading to the killing of ASC Umar Aliyu. His AK-47 official rifle was carted away, Ebikame Seimeneyefa of Tantita Security was shot, and the Tantita speedboat was also hijacked and stolen,” he stated.
Dandaura revealed that an intensive undercover and investigative operation was carried out in collaboration with sister security agencies and Tantita, leading to the successful tracking and arrest of the 17 suspects.
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“We mounted a round-the-clock and relentless onslaught against the suspects in collaboration with sister security agencies and Tantita Security. We succeeded in apprehending the 17 deadly sea pirates, led by a notorious vandal, kidnapper, and armed robber named Ziakede Amatu, who hails from Norgbene community in Ekeremo, Bayelsa State, and has been terrorising the community and neighbouring states.
“From our preliminary investigation conducted by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad, the suspects volunteered the following information, stating that the same syndicate launched an attack against the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum, Hon. Lokpobiri Heineken, at his residence on 1st January this year.
“According to the kingpin, while engaging in the illegal refining of petroleum products in 2023 at Abonima, Rivers State, he worked under another notorious suspect called ‘Emergency’ (original name unknown). They possessed seven AK-47 rifles, which were kept hidden in the forest. However, after refining the products one day, the suspect ‘Emergency’ suddenly disappeared and never returned,” he stated.
According to the statement, Ziakede Amatu later migrated from Rivers to Bayelsa State and informed some elders in his community about the seven AK-47 rifles. He was advised to retrieve them from their hiding place and use them for the protection of the community.
Dandaura stated that the suspect, Ziakede, after a failed attempt to join Tantita Security Services, procured Tantita Security Services uniforms to use in his renewed attacks on oil installations. This was done to divert attention, disguise his intentions, and undermine the good work of Tantita Security while carrying out criminal activities.
“Further confessions revealed that the suspects embarked on this malicious blackmail against Tantita Security Chairman, Ekpemupolo Owiezide Government, aka Tompolo, after failing to infiltrate the organisation and secure surveillance contracts. Consequently, they resorted to vandalising oil and gas installations, culminating in the attack on NSCDC and Tantita operatives, which led to the killing of the late officer.
The following exhibits were recovered; One AK-47 rifle, Two empty AK-47 magazines, Charms, 15 Tantita Security uniforms (shirts and trousers), 15 Tantita Security T-shirts, 15 black boots.
The Commander of the CG’S SIS expressed gratitude to the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for providing the squad with the necessary logistical support, which has significantly contributed to its remarkable achievements in combating crime, tackling illegal bunkering activities in the Niger Delta, conducting investigative operations, and dismantling criminal hideouts.
He noted that, with the ongoing thorough investigation, other suspects would be apprehended in due course and made to face the full weight of the law.
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