Tompolo’s pipeline surveillance company reinstates commitment to eliminate oil theft

Tantita Security Services, Bayelsa State, has reinstated its commitment to protecting crude oil pipeline facilities in the Niger Delta region, saying that allegations by the Caretaker Council Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Mr Lucky Okodeh, that the company invaded the Igbomotoru Community with military men are not only false but an attempt to tarnish the image of the company.

The firm regretted the recent allegation from the caretaker chairman and an orchestrated video making the rounds of a supposed protest carried out by natives of the community as a ploy to bring its operations to disrepute, a move they claimed is aimed at jeopardising the efforts of the Federal Government to improve crude oil revenue for the country.

In a statement by the State Coordinator, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Bayelsa Operations, Great Joshua Maciver, said what the scriptwriters of the purported protest fail to understand is that “Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, as a private security company, does not possess the authority to order federal forces but rather provides credible intelligence to guide federal forces in combating the menace of illegal bunkering and kpofire activities.”

He urged the indigenes of the Igbomotoru Community to go about their lawful duties as the military is only on the ground to safeguard federal assets and, by extension, lives and properties in the area, adding that Tantita Security Services remains steadfast in its commitment to eradicating illegal bunkering activities across Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta Region.

Maciver said: “It is crucial to emphasise that the deployment of the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in our operations is not meant to intimidate law-abiding citizens conducting lawful businesses. Additionally, the placement of gunboats extends beyond the Igbomotoru Community, encompassing strategic routes used by illicit crude oil bunkers in areas like Azuzuama, Tebidaba-Okoron, Lasukugbene, Lagosgbene, and other communities.

“While we refrain from directly accusing individuals or groups involved in illicit activities, it is noteworthy that the expressed discomfort by CTC Chairman, Mr. Lucky Okodeh, in the media raises questions. It prompts speculation on whether he is aware of potential clandestine activities within the Igbomotoru Axis, suggesting that the presence of security forces may unveil illicit crude oil syndicates and mercenaries, contrary to the Federal government’s stance on crude oil theft.

“Moreover, during the flag-off operation of the Igbomotoru camp of Tantita Security Operations, which took place on October 14, 2022, and was attended by the State Coordinator, Great Joshua MacIver, along with the incumbent Caretaker Chairman, Mr. Lucky Okodeh, in the company of various security agencies, including the Nigerian Army with gunboats, the entourage was welcomed to a warm reception by the community members.

“The CTC Chairman during that visit enjoined the community leadership to work with the surveillance company and the various security agencies and its apparatus in place, stating that their presence in the town was not to take away their means of livelihood but to better the lot of all and sundry in the course of their operations. To this date, Tantita Security, along with the military and NSCDC, have carried on with their responsibilities without any reports of violence, harassment, or intimidation of any kind from 2022 up until this moment.

“As we beckon for answers to the above fundamental questions, we wish to state categorically that the call by the Caretaker Chairman of SILGA is totally unnecessary and not born out of goodwill, as it overlooks the collaborative efforts required to address security breaches common within riverine communities and environmental degradation associated with illegal bunkering activities. As a responsible private security company, we anticipate the cooperation of local government authorities and the Bayelsa State government in fostering a secure environment for all residents.

“While we choose not to delve into the massive youth employment that involves nearly two thousand personnel from Bayelsa State, with the participation of several speedboats, the paramount issue is that concerns such as black soot and black rainwater, which were once prevalent and adversely affected lives and livelihoods, along with the unimaginable level of pollution visible in our rivers, creeks, and farmlands, have gradually come under control. We believe this achievement deserves commendation from the Bayelsa State government.

“On the issue of political intimidation, Great Joshua MacIver, who has always displayed a peaceful disposition before, during, and after the election, would not witch-hunt anyone for political reasons. The promoters of this campaign of calumny should also be aware that only those culpable of illegal crude oil activities are targeted for arrest and possible prosecution, and no amount of blackmail or show of shame as is in this case will deter the robust collaboration between the surveillance company and the security apparatus of the federal government.

“Ridiculously, the promoters of the said video and publication, championed by Mr Okodeh, made a blunder by bringing petty community-related disputes on the Chieftaincy tussle to a company that holds a mandate from the Federal government to stamp out illicit crude oil activities. This abysmal level of propaganda, though too elementary, is not surprising due to the characters of the persons involved.”

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