Tantita Security Services and the Nigerian Navy Clash over Oil Theft Incident
The matter of illegal oil bunkering off the coast of Ondo State has led to a contentious conflict between Tantita Security Services Limited and the Nigerian Navy. Tantita, a pipeline surveillance company owned by Chief (Dr) Government Ekpemupolo, has reported the presence of an unmarked vessel engaged in illegal bunkering activities near Oil Mining Leases (OML) 110 and 103, which are operated by Cavendish Petroleum Limited and Consolidated Oil. They alerted the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) about the suspicious activities of the vessel.
As per TSSL, the vessel was observed mooring at an oil well jacket in the OML area, and there were suspicions that the vessel was illicitly extracting crude oil. Tantita Security Services operatives were informed of the scheme and moved to secure the area. However, their efforts were met with opposition from the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB), which dispatched gunboats to disrupt TSSL’s operation.
A statement from Tantita Security Services conveyed apprehensions about collusion between the criminals, corrupt NNPCL officials, and naval personnel in the area. They identified a suspected oil dealer as the mastermind behind the illegal bunkering activities and appealed to the Nigerian Navy to permit them to apprehend the suspect.
In response to TSSL’s allegations, the Nigerian Navy accused the company of engaging in unlawful activities in the Awoye riverine area. Nonetheless, Tantita Security Services vehemently refuted the navy’s claims, deeming them defamatory and libellous. They indicated that video evidence of their confrontation with the Nigerian Navy had been transmitted to the pertinent authorities.
This clash between Tantita Security Services Limited and the Nigerian Navy underscores the ongoing challenges in combating oil theft and illegal bunkering in Nigeria. It also raises inquiries about the function of private security companies in pipeline surveillance and the necessity for cooperation between security agencies and civilian organizations in safeguarding oil assets.
The incident emphasizes the significance of comprehensive investigations and evidence-based allegations when addressing criminality and sabotage in the oil and gas industry. The Nigerian government, NNPCL, and the Navy must collaborate to tackle the underlying issues that facilitate illegal bunkering activities. Furthermore, stricter oversight and collaboration among all stakeholders involved in protecting oil installations are crucial to prevent further incidents of this nature.
Ultimately, the resolution of this conflict between Tantita Security Services and the Nigerian Navy will hinge on the findings of the investigations and the willingness of the parties involved to cooperate in resolving the matter. It is imperative that all sides approach this issue with a commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the security of Nigeria’s oil resources.
