Crude Oil Theft: We Have Evidence Of Criminals In Tantita Security — Retired Navy Officer

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As the disagreement between the Nigerian Navy and Tantita Security Services deepens, a retired Navy chief has said there is documented evidence of shady activities of operatives of Tantita Security Services on the nation’s maritime environment.

The former Navy Chief Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Henry Babalola (retired) disclosed this on Thursday while featuring on Arise News Morning Show, monitored by THE WHISTLER.

Babalola was responding to queries on the alleged failure of the Navy to protect its maritime environment and the engagement of the Tantita security services to augment its statutory obligation.

Speaking on the matter, the retired Navy officer said Tantita’s engagement in maritime security does not portray the failure of the Navy, rather it was the proliferation of militant operations and banditry in the Niger Delta region that led to their emergence.

He said, “With respect to the Nigeria Navy operation, Tantita and other private maritime companies employed in the maritime domain of the nation, I think there is really no problem, but do not forget that the Nigerian Navy and the headship of Tantita had a long-lost relationship a long time ago, because of the criminality that we witnessed that have engulfed the maritime environment.

“We have elements of Tantita that are major players that the Navy was tasked to try to combat their illegal activities, and all these went on until the Amnesty programme. Like I always say, somebody can turn a new leaf.

“Honestly, before this time, the militant had more firepower but when we started delivering all of these new acquisitions: patrol boots, helicopters… That was what led to the end of militancy in the Niger Delta, and that made it easy for Yar-Adua to call them to a round table and the amnesty programme followed.

“So, we are not strange birds’ fellows. The Navy of course would be suspicious of Tantita or any other security fellow because they are well known to us, and we have documented evidence, but if they have turned a new leaf and they want to help the Navy, fine. The idea is to get something done.”

Babalola affirmed the success of the Navy in fulfilling its statutory obligation in the maritime security of Nigeria, despite the prevailing challenges.

The private security outfit, Tantita and the Nigerian Navy have been at loggerheads, accusing one another of complicity in crude oil theft.

When THE WHISTLER contacted the Tantita Security Service, through the Executive Director of Operations and Technical, Captain Warredi Enisuoh, he said, “I do not have much comments at the moment until as a company we feel it is necessary to respond.”

According to the NNPCL, at least 400,000 barrels of crude oil are lost daily, translating to a loss of $34.8m daily.