The Defence Headquarters on Thursday, dismissed as “laughable”, allegation by the Chairman, Tantitta Security Services, Mr Government Ekpemuopolo, Tompolo, that the Nigerian Navy was sabotaging the fight against Crude Oil Theft.
Noting that it cannot be seen to be joining issues with Tompolo, the DHQ said the work of the Navy and its determined efforts to rid the Niger Delta of economic saboteurs and crude oil thieves which is reflecting on the nation’s crude production is there fire everybody to see.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba disclosed this while commenting on Tompolo’s allegation made in Monday.
He said, What I will say is that such allegation is just laughable. We will not join issues with anybody. What we seek is cooperation not conflict. We don’t want all these back and forth. We don’t want all this blackmail. What we want is working to ensure increased production of crude oil
“The efforts of our Navy is very obvious. It is there for everybody to see and we are seeing the increase in crude oil production. We are ready to work in collaboration with stakeholders to continue to increase oil production. That is what we want
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Recall that Tompolo last Monday accused personnel of the NN of being a clog in Tantitta’s fight against oil theft in the Niger Delta, calling on Nigerians to join hands in the battle to join hands in the battle to save the country’s economy.
Speaking when the National leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, led by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN visited him at Oporoza, Delta State, Tompolo alleged that Navy officials shot at operatives of Tantita, NSCDC and DSS who arrested a vessel in Rivers State and Ovwian in Delta State in recent encounters
He said, “What we want is for you to support the President of this country and Tantita Security Services because while doing this work, we are actually stepping on a lot of toes who are the big boys over there in Lagos and Abuja.
Meanwhile, Major General Buba disclosed that those (IPOB/ESN) members responsible for the killing of 3 Soldiers at a checkpoint in Abia State will be tracked down and will pay the price for their murderous act.
While urging innocent citizens of the area .not to panic, he said, “Our troops were attacked on the 13th of November and we recorded 3 casualties in the South East. To those expressing fear that troops will come and start killing everybody, this is not true.
“We are a professional Force with rules of engagement. We will not go about killing people. But there will be consequences for those responsible for the attack. Our target will be against the terrorists and we will get them and I will give you the good news”.
