NSCDC Foils Oil Pipeline Attacks, Arrests 17 Vandals In Bayelsa

Suspects Attempted Attack on Petroleum Minister, Targeted Tompolo’s Tantita Security Services

ABUJA – In a significant crackdown on oil theft and vandalism, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has successfully arrested 17 suspects linked to recent attacks on oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta region.

NSCDC Busts Oil Vandals in Niger Delta

According to an official statement released on Monday, NSCDC spokesperson Afolabi Babawale confirmed that operatives from the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) apprehended the suspects following a violent assault on NSCDC personnel and members of Tantita Security Services. Tantita, a private security outfit contracted by the Federal Government for pipeline surveillance, has been at the forefront of anti-vandalism operations.

The ambush led to the tragic killing of Assistant Superintendent Umar Aliyu (Service No. 6363) and the theft of a speedboat owned by Tantita Security Services.

Coordinated Arrest of 17 Suspects in Bayelsa

Commandant A.S. Dandaura, leader of the special intelligence squad, disclosed that the arrests took place on March 6, 2025, during a high-stakes intelligence-driven operation in Tonogbene, Ekeremo Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The suspects, identified as members of a high-profile sea piracy syndicate, were rounded up in the well-coordinated sting operation.

List of Apprehended Suspects:

Ziakede Amatu
Aaron Ekogbene
Abilene Adeseotu
Toukekenme Emmanuel Police
Ken David Timiprey
Ekogbene Isaac Pius
Guy Tigan Victor
Timothy Ebibakote
Odebor Abade Joseph
Zikena Kingsley
Kelly Babylon
Dide Tuboukebuleye
ThankGod Ezu
Godwin Aseyapwayei
Timis Tokoni

Weapons and Security Items Seized

Security operatives recovered a cache of weapons and security paraphernalia from the suspects, including:

One AK-47 rifle
Two empty AK-47 magazines
Charms and amulets
15 Tantita Security uniforms
15 Tantita Security T-shirts
15 pairs of black combat boots

Previous Attacks and Investigation Findings

The latest arrests follow a similar attack on January 21, 2025, when heavily armed vandals and pirates stormed the NSCDC and Tantita Security base in Torugbene II, Ekeremo LGA, Bayelsa State. The attackers opened fire indiscriminately, killing Assistant Superintendent Umar Aliyu and stealing his AK-47 rifle. Tantita Security operative Ebikame Seimeneyefa sustained gunshot injuries, while the security firm’s speedboat was hijacked during the assault.

After weeks of relentless intelligence-gathering, law enforcement agencies tracked down and captured the 17-member gang, led by Ziakede Amatu. He is a notorious vandal, kidnapper, and armed robber from Norgbene community in Ekeremo, Bayelsa State.

Suspects’ Links to Petroleum Minister’s Attack

Preliminary investigations revealed shocking details: the arrested gang had previously attempted an attack on the Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, at his residence on January 1, 2025.

During interrogation, the ringleader, Amatu, confessed that he had been involved in illegal petroleum refining in Abonema, Rivers State, in 2023 under the leadership of a criminal mastermind known as “Emergency.” After Emergency vanished, he left behind seven AK-47 rifles hidden in the forest. Amatu later relocated to Bayelsa, where local elders allegedly advised him to retrieve the weapons under the guise of “community protection.”

Failed Infiltration of Tantita Security Services

Further investigations uncovered that Amatu had previously sought to join Tantita Security Services but was unsuccessful. Out of frustration, he acquired Tantita uniforms and disguised his gang as security operatives to facilitate attacks on oil installations.

The suspects’ ultimate goal was to destabilize Tantita Security’s operations and discredit its chairman, High Chief Ekpemupolo Owiezide Government (commonly known as Tompolo). After failing to secure a surveillance contract, they resorted to violence, resulting in multiple security breaches and the tragic killing of a law enforcement officer.

Government’s Response and Further Security Measures

In response to the increasing attacks on oil and gas facilities, the Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to combating pipeline vandalism, oil theft, and criminal activities threatening Nigeria’s energy sector. Security forces have intensified efforts to reinforce critical infrastructure protection.