A fresh controversy has erupted between private security firm Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) and the Nigerian Navy (NN) over a foiled oil theft operation in Lagos on August 29.
The Nigerian Navy stated that its patrol team arrested four TSSNL operatives near Ikotu community in Lekki while allegedly attempting to steal crude oil. The operatives were dressed in Tantita-branded polos when apprehended trying to recover a boat engine from locals, the Navy claimed.
The Navy said the Tantita men signaled two speedboats to approach while abandoning a large wooden boat loaded with 11 1,000-litre tanks containing suspected stolen crude oil. The four detained men were identified as Asonja Goddey, Obajimi Oluwaseyifunmi, Awoowo Aribo, and Oluwadaisi Balogun, all from Ondo State.
However, Tantita Security Services disputed the Navy’s account in a strong statement. The firm stated it received intelligence that a wooden boat was illegally loading crude oil from an offshore platform operated by Cavendish Petroleum Nigeria Limited.
Tantita claimed deploying a joint advance team with Nigeria Civil Defence and Security Corps (NSCDC) personnel, which pursued the wooden boat towards Lagos after help from fishermen.
According to Tantita, one team boarded the abandoned wooden boat to secure evidence, while another chased the crew. Tantita alleged the fleeing crew headed to the Navy’s Ibeju-Lekki base, where rather than arresting the thieves, the Navy apprehended Tantita staff and released the real culprits.
Video evidence purportedly shows Tantita personnel boarding the wooden boat with NSCDC officials. Tantita insists its team was wrongfully arrested while working jointly with government security agencies.
The company accused the Navy of a “smear campaign” and driving its personnel away to take control of the wooden boat holding stolen oil.
The Navy maintains it is investigating the circumstances and possession of firearms used illegally. However, Tantita Security Services contends its personnel were wrongfully branded as oil thieves while adhering to lawful operations.
The clash has sparked tensions between the private security outfit run by ex-militant Government Ekpemupolo and the Nigerian Navy over their competing roles in cracking down on illegal bunkering and oil theft.
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