Tanita Security Services Nigeria Limited, a private security company owned by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo and a contractor of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, has once again made a significant arrest in the ongoing battle against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region. Just a month after their last operation, the security outfit apprehended another vessel, MT PRAISEL, which was escorted by a Navy gunboat in the creeks of Delta state.
The incident occurred on Wednesday when Tantita operatives were conducting a routine patrol and spotted the vessel. Despite flying a Togolese flag, intelligence indicated that the vessel was suspected of carrying stolen crude oil. Determined to take action, the Tantita operatives attempted to board the vessel but encountered resistance from the Navy boat accompanying it.
In an intriguing turn of events, the Navy commander escorting the vessel threatened the Tantita operatives, claiming to have authority over the situation. However, the Tantita operatives were undeterred and sought the authorization of the National Security Adviser and the Chief of Naval Staff. With their backing, the private security team succeeded in taking the suspicious vessel into custody.
It remains unclear at this time whether the Navy officials were also arrested along with the crew of the MT PRAISEL. The situation highlights the complexity of the ongoing efforts to combat illegal bunkering and crude oil theft in the region.
Illegal refining camps were also dealt a blow last week when they were destroyed in the Ughelli South area of Delta state, showing the persistence of the problem despite attempts to eradicate it.
It is important to note that Alhaji Asari Dokubo had previously accused the military of being involved in crude oil theft, further underscoring the challenges faced by security agencies in addressing this issue.
As the situation unfolds, authorities and private security companies like Tanita Security Services Nigeria Limited continue to collaborate in their efforts to curb the illegal activities plaguing the region’s oil industry. The arrests and destruction of illegal refining camps serve as a reminder of the need for ongoing vigilance and cooperation to secure Nigeria’s vital oil resources.
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