By: Emmanuel Abi Couson
Operatives of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL).
TSSNL, a private security firm owned by former freedom fighter, Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo, in a joint operation with men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), apprehended a vessel identified as MT KALI, Thursday night
siphoning crude oil in Bayelsa State Nigeria.
This is coming over heels of the Federal Government Committee on Crude Oil Theft headed by Gov. Hope Uzodinnma of Imo State had a strategic meeting over the week and marshall out new plans to curb the menace.
In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the strategy, the Nigerian Navy led by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, launched a new outfit ‘Operation Delta Sanity’, to combat oil theft and other maritime crimes in Warri, Delta state.
This lead to the arrest of the vessel with its captain and marine engineer identified as Adeboye David and Promise Eze respectively, as well as other accomplices, alleged to be members of some communities in the state, were being held on board the vessel at Warri.
The crew and their local accomplices were siphoning crude oil onto the vessel from offshore Sokebolou field in Bayelsa state, before they were apprehended.
The incident has been reported to the National Security Officer (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and the board and management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)
Those arrested stayed that they departed Lagos following assurances by their boss, they identified as Captain Adeniyi, that they would have smooth sail to conduct their business as relevant “security” agents on the waterways had been “settled”.
Tantita’s Executive Director Operations and Technical, Captain Warredi Enisuoh, disclosed Thursday night that the vessel is presently anchored at an NNPCL location at Oporoza, Warri Southwest council area of Delta state.
He said the suspects were kept on board the vessel as investigations continued on Friday.
