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: Weapons and Security Items Seized Security operatives recovered a cache of weapons and security paraphernalia from the suspects, including: 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. Read more on Nigeria’s oil security challenges READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, has achieved a significant milestone in the fight against oil theft in the Niger Delta region. Between December 23 and 29, 2024, troops of the 6 Division dismantled 20 illegal crude oil refining sites, arrested eight suspected oil thieves, and recovered over 90,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. Key Operations and Discoveries 1. Buguma General Area (Asari-Toru LGA): 2. Krakrama Community (Degema LGA): 3. Gbede, Omoku: 4. Odagwa-Imo Riverside (Etche LGA): 5. Imo River Fringes: 6. Biseni Forest, Bayelsa State (Yenagoa LGA): 7. Akwa Ibom State: 8. Delta State: Military’s Commitment to Regional Security The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, praised the troops for their vigilance and dedication. He urged them to sustain these efforts to ensure a secure environment for oil exploration and economic activities in the Niger Delta. Additionally, he called on the public to provide actionable intelligence to support the fight against economic sabotage. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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Nigerian Troops Achieve Major Milestone: 135 Terrorists Eliminated, 185 Suspects Arrested in a Week In a significant boost to Nigeria’s fight against insecurity, troops of the Nigerian military have neutralized 135 terrorists, arrested 185 suspects, and rescued 129 kidnapped hostages during operations conducted across the country over the past week. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, provided these updates during a weekly press briefing held at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Saturday. Keywords: Nigerian military operations, terrorist surrender, hostages rescued, oil theft, security in Nigeria Terrorist Surrenders Increasing in the North Central General Buba highlighted that sustained military offensives have forced several terrorists in the North Central region to surrender. He attributed these surrenders to both relentless military pressure and collaborative non-kinetic efforts with key stakeholders aimed at encouraging defections. “Notable terrorist leaders and combatants, including Yellow Jambros, Alhaji Mallam, and Lawal Kwalba, have voluntarily surrendered. More are indicating interest in laying down their arms,” Buba stated. Despite the surrenders, the military remains committed to maintaining high operational intensity to neutralize remaining threats or encourage further defections. Impressive Gains in Counter-Terrorism Efforts In the past week, military operations resulted in: 135 terrorists neutralized 185 suspects arrested 129 hostages rescued Weapons and Equipment Recovered The troops also recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition, including: 72 AK-47 rifles 11 fabricated rifles 4 hand grenades 2,415 rounds of various ammunition 15 vehicles 46 motorcycles 28 mobile phones Combating Oil Theft in the Niger Delta In the Niger Delta region, troops intensified efforts against illegal oil refining and theft, dismantling 93 crude oil cooking ovens, 82 illegal refining sites, and 41 storage tanks.Recovered items included: 909,800 liters of stolen crude oil 71,060 liters of illegally refined diesel (AGO) 13,580 liters of petrol (PMS) Innovation in Security Operations General Buba reaffirmed the military’s commitment to finding innovative solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges. “We remain in a winning position in the fight against insecurity,” he concluded, emphasizing the ongoing success of Nigeria’s armed forces.
