Crime
Exposed: Army, Navy, Police among oil thieves, own refining camps
One contractor is Tantita Security Services Limited, TSSL, owned by the leader of the moribund Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND) and high chief of Ijaw ethnic nationality, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo.
Misleading intelligence
Before now, the security report was that some militants and other misguided miscreants, harboured by villagers in the different riverine communities in the oil-rich region, were the monsters breaking into the nation’s pipelines and hemorrhaging the country.
The intelligence report acknowledged that they were major oil thieves bankrolling the operations of the minor oil thieves; it was unspecific in their nomenclature.
Based on the disingenuous details, the government has pursued a one-track strategy of a crackdown on suspected operators of illegal oil refining camps in the creeks of the Niger Delta, destruction of the said camps, equipment, and apprehension of some operators. However, the real damage continued because the major culprits remained unruffled.
Secreted reality
However, facts are emerging with the engagement of Tompolo by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL. Why has oil bunkering increased rather than decreased, in the last few months, which has made it impracticable for the nation to meet its Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, daily production quota?
Army, Navy, Police, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDSC, officers deployed to tackle oil bunkering in the Niger Delta sponsor their own illegal crude oil refining camps in the creeks. Only the Department of State Services, DSS, is not involved in the show of shame.
Sources informed that security officials involved in oil bunkering finance locals to carry out unlawful business in the creeks, provide security, and shield their camps from destruction by other security agents. Some top security officials in Abuja and Lagos, who are neck deep in the business, typically, use their strategic positions to intervene and cover the tracks for their men on the ground in the Niger Delta
The International Oil Companies, IOCs, some privileged NNPCL officials, and other high-profile Nigerians are part of it.
The comprehension that the strategy all the while was a wild goose chase was already causing disquiet in the security circle.
High-level complicity
Lately, TSSL and security operatives working with Tompolo uncovered a 4-km underwater theft pipeline connected to the sea from the Forcados Terminal with a loading port, and 58 tapping points in Delta and Bayelsa states through which oil thieves had been bleeding the country.
On October 6, they ambushed and apprehended eight members of a suspected crude oil syndicate while they were pumping crude oil from a Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, pipeline, in Delta State, into an improvised 87-meter-long ocean-going vessel, MT Deino.
At the time Tantita operatives swooped on the vessel, the team leader, Captain Temple Manaseh, from Bayelsa state, and seven other suspects had pumped 605 cubic meters of crude oil into the vessel with 12 compartments from an illegal connection they attached to a CNL crude pipeline, between Abiteye community and Escravos, Warri South-West Local Government Area.
Security agents had previously picked up the vessel, which bore an International Maritime Organization, IMO, number 7210526, in September, last year, for oil bunkering, but as emblematic, they released it.
Truth is that the high-profile stealing of Nigeria’s crude oil and sale in the international market, where the demand is still very high, by the security agencies, IOCs, NNPCL officials, oil bunkers, and locals, is a structured big business.
The illegal underwater 4-km pipeline, loading port, and 58 tapping points on the nation’s different pipelines discovered by TSSL have existed for almost nine years and security officials, stationed with gunboats in the creeks, cannot claim ignorance.
What explains the security agencies not discovering the illegal port, tapping points, and all that Tompolo has discovered in a few weeks for two decades or more?
A simple check showed that in between the places where oil bunkers siphon crude oil from the pipelines and abandoned oil wells, some of which the IOCs leave vulnerable, security operatives have their checkpoints at strategic locations near the pipelines, but collect inducements to ‘close their eyes’.
The revelation of NNS, SOROH Commander
Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS, SOROH, Commodore Daniel Atakpa, who, recently toured some creeks in Bayelsa State, accused IOCs of purposely leaving their oil heads wide open so that oil thieves could access the crude oil.
His words: Seven months ago, we noticed that crude oil was flowing out from an oil head in Okaki. We notified the oil company that owns it, Shell. Their response is shocking. They said they have not noticed it and that they are prioritizing their operations. If you ask me, what kind of priority is that supposed to be? The Navy can only do its part, Let every other agency do theirs.”
He also said the IOCs calculatingly abandoned some old oil heads under the pretence that they were not economically viable and oil bunkers steal crude from the facilities.
Clark demands a probe of the military, NNPCL officials
National leader of South-South and elder statesman, Senator Edwin Clark, Tuesday, fumed at the development, calling on the Federal Government to investigate the role of the Nigerian military and officials of NNPCL in the massive crude oil theft in the country.
“I want to advise the Federal Government to institute a judicial inquiry to investigate this criminal act of oil theft and also, to once again, appeal that jobs should be provided for the teeming unemployed youths…
“The news that there is an illicit four-kilometer pipeline through which crude oil is being siphoned goes to confirm what I have always said over the years, and what the leaders of the Niger Delta have been shouting about. That oil theft is being perpetuated by some mafia-like groups, with the connivance of some people in the oil industry, using sophisticated engineering methods to carry out their nefarious acts.
“Even more disturbing is that these activities have been going on over the years under the watchful eyes of the military and security personnel, who are supposed to be protecting these oil pipelines with many gunboats to patrol the area are, unfortunately, alleged to be involved in these criminal acts,” he said.
Tompolo has a comprehensive list of bunkers
Saturday Vanguard learned that Tompolo has a comprehensive list of oil bunkers in the region and since his recent exposures, some persons have sent threat messages to him and TSSL operatives. However, some have reached out to him to simmer down.
The ex-militant leader, miffed by the involvement of security operatives in bunkering, had reportedly complained to the National Security Adviser, NSA, and Inspector General of Police, IGP, and is awaiting action.
Speaking in a television interview, recently, the former MEND leader, Tompolo, who confirmed that he actually complained to the NSA and IGP about the involvement of security personnel in oil bunkering, however, said, “Not all security officials are involved, there are some good ones and those are the people we are working with in recording the successes so far.”
“With what we are doing, we have illegal bunkering camps owned by some Navy, Army, Civil Defence, and Police, it is only the Department of State Services, DSS, that are not involved and we have the evidence.”
“I am using this medium to appeal to the security agencies to call their people, especially those deployed in this part of the country. Let us work together
“We are going to provide the intelligence; they are the ones that will implement. Many top security officials are not happy because I know the in and out of this country–Lagos, Calabar, Escravos, and Akwa-Ibom.
“If we are working together as a team, in another few weeks, you see that production will shoot up. In Nigeria, if you are saying the truth but not on the same side as the government, they will turn the case against you.
”We are ready, in a few weeks’ time, we will restore production. Many people are now running helter-skelter because they know that there is nothing concerning the riverine that I do not know,” he said.
The Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing crackdown on violent crimes, rescuing kidnapped victims, recovering heavy weapons, arresting suspected cultists, and dismantling an alleged child-trafficking network across the state.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ikioye Orutugu, said the Command had intensified intelligence-led operations against kidnapping, cultism, armed violence, sexual offences, and child trafficking.
According to him, one of the biggest breakthroughs came on May 10, 2026, when police operatives rescued four kidnapped victims, including the Chief Medical Director of Crown Hospital, three days after they were abducted.
Orutugu disclosed that the rescue followed a fierce gun battle between police operatives and suspected kidnappers at their hideout in Obosi.
“In the course of the operation, two armed suspects were neutralised, while operatives recovered one locally made pistol, 100 rounds of live GPMG ammunition, 23 expended rounds, and three vehicles, including a silver Lexus RX 350 belonging to one of the rescued victims,” he said.
The police commissioner, however, revealed that a police officer lost his life during the exchange of gunfire, while two others sustained injuries.
“The officer paid the supreme sacrifice in active service to the nation. The Command honours his courage, gallantry, and dedication to duty,” Orutugu stated, while commending the Anambra State Government for pledging support for the deceased officer’s family and treatment of the injured personnel.
He added that the building where the victims were rescued had been cordoned off after angry residents attempted to set it ablaze.
The police boss also disclosed that operatives carried out strategic clearance operations in Owerre-Ezukala, targeting criminal camps linked to a proscribed secessionist group.
According to him, one suspect identified as Nnamdi Nkemdilim Ogbonna, said to be a top commander of the group, is already in custody.
He said the operation led to the recovery of a General Purpose Machine Gun with about 2,000 rounds of live ammunition, two fabricated rocket launchers with 25 propellers, 10 Improvised Explosive Devices, one locally made Beretta pistol, two pump-action guns, three hand grenades, and other dangerous items.
“The operatives also dislodged the armed criminals and sustained operational dominance in the area to prevent any regrouping,” he said.
In another operation, police operatives arrested a suspected cultist identified as Favour Izunna, alleged to be a member of the Vikings Confraternity.
The police said the suspect led operatives to the recovery of a pump-action gun, seven live cartridges, a locally made Beretta pistol, and five rounds of live ammunition.
Orutugu said the suspect allegedly confessed to participating in multiple killings in Obosi and surrounding communities, including the murder of two victims identified as Emeka Chukwuka and Chinelo Onyeka.
The commissioner added that efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing gang members linked to the cult group.
On crimes involving children and vulnerable persons, the police commissioner revealed that five suspects had been remanded over alleged sexual offences and child abuse cases in Awka.
Among them, he said, was a father accused of having unlawful sexual relations with his biological daughter in Oko.
“The Command views crimes against children and vulnerable persons as grave violations and assures the public that all cases involving sexual abuse, violence against children, and related offences will be thoroughly investigated and diligently prosecuted,” he said.
The Command also announced the arrest of a female suspect identified as Chinazo Winners Anyasirikwu over alleged child-trafficking activities in Aguata.
According to the police, 12 children — seven girls and five boys aged between one and 20 years — were rescued during the operation.
“The children have been placed under protective care while investigations continue to uncover the full network and possible collaborators connected to the criminal act,” Orutugu stated.
Reaffirming the Command’s resolve to sustain ongoing offensives against criminal elements, the commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with credible information.
“We shall continue to strengthen security, uphold justice, and make Anambra State increasingly hostile to criminals,” he added.
The Management of Eastland Electricity Distribution Limited has announced the successful prosecution and conviction of a transformer vandal in Ebonyi State, describing the judgment as a major breakthrough in the fight against vandalism of electricity infrastructure.
The development was disclosed to journalists in Abakaliki on Wednesday by the Head of Communications of EEDL, Mrs. Patience Ezeagu.
According to her, on May 6, 2026, a High Court sitting in Afikpo convicted one Ikechukwu Osondu for vandalising a public electricity transformer within the Afikpo area of the state.
The court found the defendant guilty under the Ebonyi State Miscellaneous Offences Law, 2018, and sentenced him to five years imprisonment without the option of fine.
Mrs. Ezeagu explained that the arrest of the suspect followed credible intelligence and the collaborative efforts of community vigilante members and security agencies, while the company’s legal team diligently pursued the matter to a successful conclusion.
“This conviction serves as a strong warning to individuals involved in vandalising electricity installations. Electricity infrastructure remains a critical national asset meant to serve communities and support economic activities. Anyone who destroys such facilities directly harms customers and slows development,” she said.
She recalled that earlier this year, EEDL raised concerns over the increasing wave of substation vandalism across Ebonyi State, which resulted in power outages and significant financial losses.
According to her, EEDL entered Ebonyi State to foster development through improved electricity supply, support businesses, and enhance the quality of life of residents. She, however, warned that these objectives may not be fully realised if vandalism continues unabated.
“We are committed to improving power supply and expanding our network, but continuous vandalism undermines these efforts. We will therefore sustain collaboration with security agencies, community leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure offenders are arrested and prosecuted,” she stated.
The company further appealed to community leaders, youth groups, neighbourhood watch organisations, and residents to take ownership of electricity installations serving their communities by remaining vigilant and promptly reporting suspicious activities around transformers and other power facilities.
EEDL reassured customers of its commitment to improved service delivery and vowed that anyone found vandalising power infrastructure would face the full weight of the law.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Anambra Police Command has debunked the allegation that it’s officers and men had hand in the mysterious death of one Mr Paul Onwualu at Npkor in Idemili North local government area.
The Police which confirmed the arrest of the suspect however explained that preliminary investigations has so far shown that there complications in the health status of the deceased leading to his demise .
SP Tochukwu Ikenga ,who is the Public Relations Officer of the Command stated in a release that ;
“The Anambra State Police Command wishes to inform the public that it has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate death of the late Mr Paul Onwualu in Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State”
“Preliminary information available to the Command reveals that the officers allegedly involved in the arrest before the sudden complication of the deceased’s health, which later led to his death, have been identified, but are not operatives attached to the Anambra State Police Command”
“The Command assures Ndi Anambra and members of the public that the matter is being handled with the seriousness it deserves to ascertain the facts surrounding the unfortunate incident”
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc mnips PhD, urges residents to remain calm and allow the ongoing investigation to run its course, while reaffirming the Command’s commitment to transparency, professionalism, and the protection of lives and property.” he said.
Neighbours reported that the event allegedly occurred around 3pm on Sunday, noting that the late Miss Amanda had been a victim of constant and ruthless maltreatment at the hands of her stepmother.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Enugu State, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, has expressed the state government’s anger over the incident, saying it would not relent until justice is done.
“It is on record that the Governor Peter Mbah Administration has zero tolerance for any form of child abuse, let alone child homicide. So, we swung into action on learning about this tragedy to ensure that the suspect was arrested.
“But it doesn’t end there. We will be pressing for thorough and expedited investigation to ensure that justice is not just done, but done really fast.
“Nobody should take another’s life and certainly not the life of any child in Enugu State. We condemn it in totality,” she stated.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
As suspected fake native doctors continue to face the long arm of the law in Anambra State, the government has now commenced a crackdown on alleged fake pastors who preach salvation without the gospel.
Already, scores of suspected fake pastors are reportedly in custody, with some said to have confessed to deceiving unsuspecting members of the public.
Governor Charles Soludo disclosed this during this year’s All Knights Day celebration held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, the governor said:
“The Governor also revealed an ongoing crackdown on fake pastors who exploit the vulnerable by preaching a gospel of ‘salvation without the cross,’ confirming that several are already in custody and confessing.”
He emphasized that a “New Anambra” is emerging and must be rid of deception and criminality, while reinforcing the church’s teaching that hard work remains the pathway to success.
The statement further read:
“In a firm demonstration of fiscal discipline, Governor Soludo granted a request from the Knights to support their charity visits to orphanages but declined a request for public funds to sew uniforms, stating he would not deploy state resources for private institutional regalia.”
The governor also urged the Knights to remain “the light of the world and the salt of the earth” by living according to principles rather than titles.
The event featured a Pontifical Mass celebrated by the Catholic Bishop of Awka, Paulinus Ezeokafor, while the homily was delivered by the Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Fr. Evaristus Iheanacho.
In his sermon, Iheanacho reflected on the work of the Holy Spirit, describing knighthood as a process of “sober reflection, stock-taking, and reckoning” guided by strict tenets and discipline.
He reminded the Knights that true love for Christ is demonstrated through obedience to His commandments, discipline, humility, and courage.
The cleric also cautioned against elitist isolation, urging the Knights to remain connected with the people and preserve their human face and prophetic voice within the community.
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