Oil Theft: Ijaw Group Slams Navy, Urges FG to Renew Tompolo's Surveillance Contract

The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) has condemned the arrest and detention of operatives of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) by the Nigerian Navy over alleged participating in oil theft.

The group alleged that the flimsy excuse given by the Nigerian Navy that the arrested Tantita workers were escorting vessel with stolen crude oil and later changed to possession of illegal weapons exposed the government security agents as not being truthful to the fact of the matter

IYC, Western Zone, comprising Edo, Ondo and Delta States, in a statement issued in Warri, yesterday, which was signed by its Chairman, Dr. Doubra Collins Okotete; Secretary, Olu Derimo and Information Officer, Lugard Izoukumor, however urged the federal government to call the Nigerian Navy to order.

"We the IYC, a leading youth organisation advocating for the rights and development of the Ijaw people in Nigeria, would like to express its support for Tantita Security, condemning the Nigerian Navy, and call upon President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to reconsider the pipeline surveillance contract and reaward it to Tompolo.

"Firstly, we are proud of Tompolo and commend his Tantita Security in ensuring the safety and security of pipelines within the Niger Delta region. Their professionalism, dedication and track record of success have been exemplary.

"However, we are deeply concerned about the recent incidents involving the Nigerian Navy in the region in their desperate move to work with enemies of the Niger Delta, within and outside the region, to malign and consciously detract the good work of Tantita Security," it stated.

While urging Tinubu to ignore antics of the Nigerian Navy and dubious elements to run Tompolo down, the IYC noted that renewing Tantita's contract would foster harmonious relationship between the government and the Niger Delta communities, adding that, "this would not only ensure the safety of pipelines but also create opportunities for local employment, skills development and economic growth.”