Tompolo exposes threats from oil theft syndicates, urging collaboration among security agencies to protect Nigeria’s oil wealth and economy.
[dropcap]H[/dropcap]igh Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has revealed ongoing threats to his life stemming from his fight against Nigeria’s powerful oil theft syndicates.
As the founder of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Tompolo accused influential individuals outside the Niger Delta of orchestrating these threats and sabotaging his organisation’s efforts to curtail crude oil theft.
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Speaking at Oporoza, the headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom, on Monday, Tompolo highlighted the risks faced by Tantita operatives, including recent confrontations with naval personnel during the arrest of suspected oil thieves in Port Harcourt creeks.
He alleged that these acts are part of a coordinated effort by top oil thieves and their collaborators.
“While doing this work, we have stepped on the toes of many powerful individuals in Lagos and Abuja,” Tompolo said. “Even when I travel, I must go with security. Those involved in oil theft are now working with others to target Tantita Security.”
Tompolo urged greater synergy between the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies, accusing some naval personnel of undermining the fight against oil theft.
He also called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to intervene, citing the need for robust legal support to prosecute oil theft cases effectively.
“We need lawyers to ensure that cases against these oil thieves are handled thoroughly and not derailed by their powerful backers,” he said.
The NBA’s national leadership, led by its President Afam Osigwe (SAN), visited Gbaramatu Kingdom to assess the region’s challenges firsthand.
Osigwe expressed concern over the impact of oil theft on Nigeria’s economy, highlighting that continued losses exacerbate the country’s fiscal struggles, including heavy reliance on borrowing to fund the budget.
“The fight against oil theft is crucial now more than ever,” Osigwe stated. “If we block the leakages, Nigeria’s earnings will improve, reducing the need for external loans.”
The NBA also voiced concerns about the environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta. Osigwe noted that despite hosting Nigeria’s oil wealth, communities like Gbaramatu remain underdeveloped and impoverished.
Oboro-Gbaraun II, the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, called on the government to invest in the region’s infrastructure, citing a lack of essential services such as courts.
He also urged the NBA to support young lawyers in Gbaramatu to advance their legal careers.
“We produce the oil that feeds the country’s coffers, yet we see little development. The government must draw closer to us,” the Pere said.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited recently announced a rise in oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day, with projections to hit 2 million bpd by year’s end. However, Tompolo cautioned that unchecked oil theft could undermine these gains.
Through Tantita’s efforts, significant progress has been made in protecting pipelines and reducing oil theft.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
