Tompolo: I’ve become target for oil thieves

The Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), Government Ekpemupolo, well known as Tompolo, says he had stepped on many toes in the cause of the ongoing onslaught against crude oil theft in Nigeria, adding that he has become a target of revenge.

Tompolo, who alleged sabotage in the fight against oil theft in the country, said some persons recently attacked some of his staff while they were arresting oil thieves on the Port-Harcourt creeks in Rivers State.

He said this when he played host to the national leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) at Oporoza, headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.

Tompolo appealed to the NBA to rise to the situation and save the country from its current economic crisis.

He said the government may not have enough funds to run her institutions, hence the need for all hands to be on deck.

The Tantita boss said: “The NBA has a duty to play in this present situation because if we are not careful in this country, we will not have money to do any reasonable thing.

“We are going to do our part locally, but you are there at the top. If we arrest today, lawyers will appear on both sides. My appeal is that you need to help us.

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“In the course of this surveillance, we have stepped on so many toes of people over there in Lagos and Abuja.

“After my court cases, I cannot travel anywhere, if I must travel, I have to go with two or three security personnel.

Speaking, the NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), expressed joy over the recent announcement by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) that oil production had risen to 1.8 million barrels per day.

Osigwe stated that Gbaramatu Kingdom plays host to TSSNL which has been working with the NNPCL and the Office of the National Security Adviser.

The NBA President said: “If the oil production keeps going up, it will benefit all of us and the government will be able to provide for the needs of the people

“However, there is a need to stem the theft of our commonwealth from some individuals.

“The fight against oil theft is more desirable now than ever before because Nigeria is borrowing so much to fund its budget.”

On his part, the Pere of Gbaramatu  Kingdom,  Oboro-Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, Agadagba called on the federal government to provide infrastructure in the oil-producing communities.

The Star