Defence Headquarters, CSOs Counter Tompolo’s Oil Theft Allegations Against Navy.
The Defence Headquarters and several civil society organisations (CSOs) have strongly criticized allegations made by ex-Niger Delta militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, accusing the Nigerian Navy of involvement in oil theft.
Tompolo, who chairs Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, a company contracted by the federal government to protect oil pipelines, made these accusations earlier this week during a visit by the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
He claimed the Navy was working against efforts to curb oil theft in the Niger Delta.
In response, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, dismissed the allegations as “cheap blackmail” during a military update in Abuja.
Emphasizing the need for collaboration rather than conflict, Buba stated, “We need to act in the best interest of our nation, particularly at a time when revenue is critical.”
Joining the Defence Headquarters, CSOs led by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors of Nigeria (RHAN) and the Centre for Action Against Corruption (CAAC) also condemned Tompolo’s statements.
Speaking at a press conference, the groups described his claims as baseless and accused him of undermining the morale of the Navy.
The CSOs highlighted the achievements of the Nigerian Navy under Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, which include reducing maritime crimes, arresting pirates, and dismantling illegal refining operations.
They urged the public to disregard misinformation that could destabilize national security.
Abdullahi Bilal of RHAN and Olayemi Isaacs of CAAC called for unity in addressing the nation’s challenges, warning that unfounded accusations could embolden criminal networks.
They concluded, “It is our collective responsibility to support the Armed Forces and security agencies that are sacrificing for our safety.
We call on all citizens to condemn this attempt to demoralize the Navy and disrupt their vital operations.”
Stay tuned for more updates on NIGPOST.
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