From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Tantita Oil Surveillance Security Company has dismissed allegations of military invasion levelled against it by the people of Igbomotoru community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The claims of military invasion against the company in a viral video over the weekend was corroborated by the caretaker chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Mr. Lucky Okodeh who called on the Federal and state government to intervene.
However, in a swift reaction, Tantita in statement by the coordinator, Tantita Security Services, Nigeria Limited, (Bayelsa Operations), Great Joshua Maclver maintained that the company is a private security and surveillance company working collaboratively with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd and various security agencies, including the Navy, Army, Civil Defence and Police to combat crude oil theft and illicit bunkering activities in the Niger Delta region.
Maclver, who noted that the rate of crude oil theft has reduced significantly which has scale-up oil production translating to increased revenue stated that the company should be receiving accolades and not criticism from stakeholders in Bayelsa.
He noted that the recent criticisms were distasteful, stressing that those sponsoring the protests
fail to understand that Tantita being a private company does not possess the authority to order federal forces but rather provides credible intelligence to guide federal forces in combating the menace of illegal bunkering activities.
‘’It is crucial to emphasise that the deployment of the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps in our operations is not meant to intimidate law-abiding citizens conducting lawful businesses. Additionally, the placement of gunboats extends beyond Igbomotoru community, encompassing strategic routes used by illicit crude oil bunkers in areas like Azuzuama, Tebidaba-Okoron, Lasukugbene, Lagosgbene, and other communities,’’ he noted.
Maclver who recalled that Okodeh attended the flag-off operation of Tantita in Igbomotoru in October 14 2023 wondered what has changed to warrant the criticisms against the company.
The statement read in part: ‘’To this date, Tantita Security along with the military and NSCDC have carried on with their responsibilities without any reports of violence, harassment, or intimidation of any kind from 2022 up until this moment.
‘’While we choose not to delve into the massive youth employment that involves nearly two thousand personnel from Bayelsa State, with the participation of several speedboats, the paramount issue is that concerns such as black soot and black rainwater, which were once prevalent and adversely affected lives and livelihood, along with the unimaginable level of pollution visible in our rivers, creeks, and farmlands, have gradually come under control. We believe this achievement deserves commendation from the Bayelsa State government.
‘’On the issue of political intimidation, Great Joshua MacIver, who has always displayed a peaceful disposition before, during, and after the election, would not witch-hunt anyone for political reasons. The promoters of this campaign of calumny should also be aware that only those culpable of illegal crude oil activities are targeted for arrest and possible prosecution.’’