The management of Tantita Security Services (TSS) Limited, a private security firm, says it is not involved in illegal activities along the coastal areas of Ondo state.
Operatives of Tantita, owned by Government ‘Tompolo’ Ekpemupolo, and the Nigerian Navy had clashed over the vessel arrested in the coastal waters of Ondo state.
Tantita, on one hand, claimed that the vessel had naval personnel on board, who reportedly prevented agencies 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 in “these illegalities”, saying the “Awoye riverine area which is close to the place of arrest is covered by TSS”.
In a statement reported by Channels on Friday, signed by Warredi Enisuoh, Tantita’s executive director, operations and technical, the organisation described the Navy’s announcement 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 such a clash has happened between them.
In September 2023, the Nigerian Navy had arrested four operatives of Tantita for attempted oil theft.
In August 2023, a similar disagreement had occurred between the navy and Tantita over an arrested vessel conveying crude.
