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Niger Delta Front for Development accuses Olu of Itsekiri-linked firm of shielding oil thieves.
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Demands termination of Ocean Marine Solutions’ surveillance contract over alleged complicity.
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Praises Tantita Security Services for documented success in curbing crude oil theft.
The Niger Delta Front for Development has raised alarm over an alleged surge in illegal oil bunkering within several Itsekiri communities in Delta State.
The group accused the operators of these bunkering networks of hiding under the protection of a surveillance contract reportedly linked to the Olu of Itsekiri.
According to a statement signed by Signed by Godknows Ebimene, National President of Niger Delta Front for Development (NNDFD For justice, peace and regional progress the NDFD, the criminal activities are flourishing under the cover of pipeline security arrangements which have effectively shielded economic saboteurs from scrutiny.
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The group alleged that these arrangements have created hostile environments for genuine security agencies, particularly Tantita Security Services, which often encounter resistance when attempting to access Itsekiri territories.
The statement noted that the resistance is a deliberate attempt to prevent exposure, as Tantita’s presence in such areas has historically led to the unmasking of deeply entrenched illegal oil operations.
The NDFD praised Tantita Security Services, led by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, for its consistent and verifiable results in the fight against crude oil theft.
It said Tantita has been responsible for numerous arrests, dismantling of illegal refining sites, and disruption of oil theft networks, all of which are well documented by national security agencies.
In contrast, the group accused Ocean Marine Solutions, reportedly connected to the Olu of Itsekiri, of lacking any record of success in intercepting or dismantling bunkering operations.
The NDFD said no single instance has been recorded where Ocean Marine apprehended oil thieves or shut down illegal refining sites within its zone of operation.
The group alleged that available intelligence and credible reports indicate that the firm may be facilitating oil theft rather than combating it.
It described the situation as a betrayal of national trust and a direct threat to the Niger Delta’s struggle for environmental protection, resource control, and regional development.
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The NDFD demanded the immediate termination of the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Ocean Marine Solutions.
It also called for an independent investigation into the firm’s activities in the region, insisting that the allegations must be thoroughly examined.
The group urged the Federal Government to prioritise security contractors with a proven track record of success, particularly those like Tantita Security Services, in order to safeguard Nigeria’s critical oil infrastructure.
