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Security firm denies involvement in Bayelsa community’s military invasion

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By Comrade Isaac | 28 November 2023




Bayelsa State Operations of Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL) has described as unfounded and unthinkable, allegations in a recent publication by the Caretaker Council Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government, Mr. Lucky Okodeh, and a video circulating on the social media alleging invasion of Igbomotoru community by TSSL, using the military.

The firm, owned by a former Niger Delta militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, regretted that the recent publication from the caretaker chairman and an orchestrated video making the rounds of a supposed protest carried out by mischievous elements to bring its operations into disrepute, leaves a sour taste to be desired.

Recall that Igbomotoru community in the Bomo Clan of SILGA on Sunday protested the alleged invasion of the riverine community by military personnel and gunboats.

The community chiefs, women and youths, in several videos posted online, claimed that the invasion was allegedly at the instance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate in the November 11 election in the state, Chief Joshua Maciver.

But in a statement yesterday by the Coordinator, TSSL, Bayelsa State Operations, Maciver, he said what the scriptwriters of the purported protest failed to understand was that the organisation, as a private security company, did not possess the authority to order Federal Government forces but rather provided credible intelligence to guide federal forces in combating the menace of illegal bunkering and ‘kpofire’ activities.

Maciver urged indigenes of Igbomotoru community to go about their lawful duties, saying the military personnel were on ground to safeguard federal assets and by extension lives and property in the area.

He added that TSSL remained steadfast in its commitment to eradicating illegal bunkering activities across Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta.

Maciver said: “It is crucial to emphasise that the deployment of the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in our operations is not meant to intimidate law-abiding citizens conducting lawful businesses.“

Additionally, the placement of gunboats extends beyond Igbomotoru community, encompassing strategic routes used by illicit crude oil bunkerers in areas such as Azuzuama, Tebidaba-Okoron, Lasukugbene, Lagosgbene and other communities.


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“While we refrain from directly accusing individuals or groups involved in illicit activities, it is noteworthy that the expressed discomfort by CTC Chairman, Mr. Lucky Okodeh, in the media raises questions. It prompts speculation on whether he is aware of potential clandestine activities within the Igbomotoru axis, suggesting that the presence of security forces may unveil illicit crude oil syndicates and mercenaries, contrary to the Federal Government’s stance on crude oil theft.

“Moreover, during the launch operation of Igbomotoru camp of Tantita Security operations, which took place on October 14, 2022 and was attended by the state Coordinator, Great Joshua MacIver, along with the incumbent Caretaker Chairman, Mr. Lucky Okodeh, in company with security agencies, including the Nigerian Army with gunboats, the entourage was welcomed to a warm reception by the community members.

“The CTC chairman during that visit enjoined the community leadership to work with the surveillance company and security agencies and its apparatuses in place, noting that their presence in the town was not to take away their means of livelihood, but to better the lot of all and sundry in the course of their operations.“

To this date, Tantita Security along with the military and NSCDC have carried on with their responsibilities without any report of violence, harassment, or intimidation of any kind from 2022 up until this moment.

“We wish to state categorically that the call by the caretaker chairman of SILGA is unnecessary and not born out of goodwill, as it overlooks the collaborative efforts required to address security breaches common within riverine communities and environmental degradation associated with illegal bunkering activities.”

“As a responsible private security company, we anticipate the cooperation of local government authorities and Bayelsa State government in fostering a secure environment for residents.”