Four operatives of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, who were arrested for alleged involvement in oil theft by the Nigerian Navy have been cleared and released.
Daily Report Nigeria reports that the personnel were released after the intensive investigation by the Nigerian Navy proved that they were not culpable.
The suspects were released after it was discovered in the course of the investigation that their arrest was a “mistake.”
TANTITA confirmed their release to Journalists on Saturday, adding that the development had vindicated its employers.
The company said;
“Our personnel, who were unlawfully arrested for trumped-up allegations of illegal oil theft along Lagos waterways have been freed and released to re-unite with us. The Navy, upon outcome of thorough investigations directed the Police to release them. As Tantita stated initially, our men were on legitimate duties when they were unlawfully arrested.”
“We are happy that common sense eventually prevailed and our men were left off the hook. This gesture by the Navy will foster and engender good working relationship to pursue common goals of eradicating crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.”
“TANTITA and Navy are now partners in progress and henceforth, we will operate in synergy to turn the heat on illegal oil operators in every part of the oil producing areas and creeks of the Niger Delta region,” Tantita said.
Tantita had in the wake of the arrest of its personnel, expressed their innocence, adding that they were on the manhunt of suspected oil thieves when they were unjustly apprehended by the Naval personnel attached to the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Becroft.
Protesting the fate of its personnel, the Tantita management said the action smacks off blackmail and intimidation and demanded their immediate release.
Tantita’s management described the action as “unjustifiable, unwarranted and provocative.”
