CurrentReport Blog The Defence Headquarters and a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs), led by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors of Nigeria (RHAN) and the Centre for Action Against Corruption (CAAC), have dismissed allegations made by former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, against the Nigerian Navy.
Tompolo, Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, had on Monday accused the Navy of complicity in oil theft during a meeting with the national leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). He alleged that the Navy was working against state and private security efforts to combat oil theft in the Niger Delta.
Reacting during a biweekly military operations update in Abuja, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, dismissed the allegations as “cheap blackmail.”
“We seek cooperation, not conflict. But all this cheap blackmail has to stop. We need to act in the best interest of our nation, particularly at this time when we need that revenue,” Buba said.
CSOs Condemn Tompolo’s Claims
The CSOs, led by Abdullahi Bilal of RHAN and Olayemi Isaacs of CAAC, also criticized Tompolo’s accusations, describing them as baseless and unsubstantiated. At a press conference in Abuja, they highlighted Tompolo’s history as a former fugitive and militant leader, questioning his moral authority to criticize the Navy.
The CSOs praised the Nigerian Navy under the leadership of Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, for achieving significant milestones in combating oil theft, destroying illegal refining sites, and reducing maritime crimes. They noted that the Navy has conducted over 21,630 hours of patrols, resulting in numerous arrests and the seizure of illegal assets.
“It is our collective responsibility to fight against those forces and interests which try to undermine our national existence,” the CSOs stated.
Warning Against Misinformation
The CSOs cautioned that unverified allegations like Tompolo’s could undermine public trust, destabilize security efforts, and embolden criminal activities. They urged the public to support the Armed Forces in their fight against oil theft and other crimes.
The Nigerian Navy has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s resources and called for collaboration among all stakeholders to strengthen the fight against oil theft.
