Navy nabs suspected oil thieves linked to Tantita Security Services
The Nigerian Navy has confirmed the arrest of four suspected oil thieves who were identified as employees of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
They were allegedly involved in an operation in the Lekki area of Lagos State.
Tantita Security Services is a security outfit owned by the former militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
The company was contracted by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited to safeguard pipelines from vandalism.
READ ALSO: NNPC delegation discovers illicit oil network in Abia, urges Niger-Delta residents to act
In a statement released on Thursday, the Navy reported that the arrests followed the foiled oil theft attempt, which occurred near Itolu community in the early hours of Tuesday. Local youths reported gunshots in the area, prompting naval patrol teams to respond swiftly.
Upon reaching the scene, the naval team encountered four individuals dressed in black polo shirts with ‘TANTITA’ inscribed on the back. These individuals were trying to recover a dismantled outboard engine from a local. The naval team successfully apprehended these four Tantita employees.
Further investigation revealed that the four individuals were part of a larger group operating a wooden boat along with two fiber boats. When they noticed the naval patrol teams approaching, the fiber boats changed course and fled, leaving behind the large wooden boat laden with 11 x 1000L Geepee tanks containing a product suspected to be stolen crude oil.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Asonja Goddey (28), Obajimi Oluwaseyifunmi (38), Awoowo Aribo (35), and Oluwadaisi Balogun (40). All of them are reported to be natives of Igbokoda in Ondo State. Additionally, the owner of the boat, Ishola Ojubuyi, 42, has been taken into custody.
The Nigerian Navy has initiated an investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the possession of firearms within the community, economic sabotage, the transportation of the product from Ondo State to Lagos State, and the attempted theft of a boat engine from the locals.
One Mr. Owoyele Omotuyi, identified as a Tantita staff member, came to secure the release of the four apprehended individuals, claiming they are Tantita employees.
All suspects, along with the confiscated exhibits, will be handed over to the appropriate agencies for further necessary action and prosecution.
The Nigerian Navy, under the leadership of Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, Chief of the Naval Staff, remains committed to ensuring a conducive maritime environment for legitimate businesses, vital for the economic prosperity of the nation.
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