Tantita Oil Surveillance Security Company has tackled the people of Igbomoturu in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa state over their recent protest against alleged military invasion of the community.
It also berated the caretaker chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Mr Lucky Okodeh who backed the claims of the protesters and made unfounded and misleading comments against Tantita.
However, Great Joshua Maclver, coordinator, Tantita Security Services, Nigeria Limited, (Bayelsa Operations), while dismissing the allegations insisted 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 curb crude oil theft and illicit bunkering activities in the Niger Delta region.
He disclosed that the reduction in the rate of crude oil theft which has jerked up revenues accruing to Nigeria should be celebrated and not condemned.
Maclver explained that the deployment of gunboats by the military to Igbomotoru and other communities around the area was to tackle the cases of crude oil theft in the area.
‘’It is crucial to emphasize 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 said.
Maclver who maintained that the company has helped in youth employment in the Niger Delta region stressed that it has helped in combating black soot and black rainwater, which were once prevalent and adversely affected lives and livelihood,
The statement read in part: ‘’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, and no amount of blackmail or show of shame as is in this case will deter the robust collaboration between the surveillance company and the security apparatus of the Federal government.
‘’Indigenes of Igbomotoru Community are advised to go about their lawful duties as the military is only on the ground to safeguard federal assets and by extension lives and properties in the area.
‘’Conclusively, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited remains steadfast in its commitment to eradicating illegal bunkering activities across Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta Region.’’
