‘Bizarre accusation’ — Tompolo’s firm replies navy over oil theft allegation

Tantita Security Services (TSS) Limited, a private firm, says it is not involved in oil theft.

Operatives of Tantita, owned by Government ‘Tompolo’ Ekpemupolo, and the Nigerian Navy had clashed on Thursday over a crude oil vessel arrested in Ondo state.

Tantita, on one hand, said the vessel had naval personnel on board, who reportedly prevented security operatives from conducting a joint inspection.

But the navy said it arrested the vessel, with 17 crew members on board, engaging in illegal siphoning of crude, saying Tantita raised false alarm.

The navy also accused Tantita of complicity, saying the “Awoye riverine area which is close to the place of arrest is covered by TSS”.

In a statement issued on Friday, Warredi Enisuoh, Tantita’s executive director, operations and technical, described the navy’s allegation as “libelous” and “defamatory”.

“We are indeed saddened and disappointed that the Nigerian Navy could descend so low as to make such bizarre accusations against our organisation knowing same to be false,” he said.

“Perhaps they are not aware that video evidence of what transpired between the Tantita operatives and the Nigerian Navy at the scene exists and has been transmitted to the highest authorities.”

Tantita said it will not join issues with the navy as “we are well aware that Nigerians know who is who”.

This is not the first time a disagreement has happened between the navy and Tantita.

In August 2023, a similar disagreement had occurred between the navy and Tantita over an arrested vessel conveying crude oil.