The fight against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta has intensified, with High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, accusing the Nigerian Navy of sabotaging efforts.
Tompolo, founder of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), a Federal Government-contracted oil pipeline surveillance outfit, alleged that naval personnel recently attacked Tantita operatives during an operation to apprehend suspected oil thieves in the Port Harcourt creeks.
Speaking on Monday at Oporoza, the headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom, during a visit by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) national executive led by President Afam Josiah Osigwe (SAN), Tompolo highlighted his concerns about sabotage.
Efforts to contact Navy spokesperson Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu for a response were unsuccessful.
Tompolo disclosed, “A few days ago, our people intercepted a vessel in Port Harcourt. The Navy shot at Tantita Security alongside the Police, DSS, and Civil Defence.
“We implore the NBA to help because if we’re not careful, we won’t have resources to sustain the country.”
He added that local operators are often mere facilitators for large-scale oil theft masterminds from Lagos, Abuja, or neighbouring countries.
Tompolo also detailed personal security challenges arising from Tantita’s surveillance operations, stating, “We have stepped on many toes. I cannot travel without security because key players in oil theft now target me.”
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He expressed frustration over clashes with the Navy, adding, “Every well-meaning Nigerian knows the roles of the Navy and Tantita, but no one wants to face the truth.”
During a courtesy visit to the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Oboro-Gbaraun II, NBA President Osigwe commended the rise in oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day and reiterated the importance of combating oil theft.
He warned that unchecked theft undermines Nigeria’s economy, foreign reserves, and ability to meet OPEC quotas.
The NBA team also expressed concern over the environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
Osigwe stated, “The irony is that the communities bearing the nation’s oil wealth responsibilities are deprived of its benefits.”
The association pledged to examine the impact of oil theft and pollution on host communities.
The Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom urged the government to prioritise infrastructure in oil-producing areas, stating, “The government is far from us. They should come closer and do the needful for us to reciprocate.”
He called for the establishment of a magistrate court in Gbaramatu and requested mentoring for members of the Gbaramatu Lawyers Association, a proposal welcomed by the NBA President.
The monarch affirmed the kingdom’s commitment to peace in the Niger Delta, saying, “We extend hands of fellowship to other kingdoms. Ijaw people stand for truth and peace.”
He urged lawmakers and judges to personally assess disputed lands before passing judgments to ensure fairness.
Concluding, the king appealed for stronger government presence, noting that local elites had sustained the community despite being the country’s oil hub.
He said, “We feed the nation’s coffers. The government should draw closer and support us so we can reciprocate.”
