Fresh tensions have broken out in the Niger Delta, after a conflict erupted when two contractors responsible for the surveillance of pipelines accused each other of being involved in vandalizing activities, as well as stealing crude oil from their pipeline network.
This has come at a time when issues surrounding pipeline security were the focal point of a National Assembly hearing on oil pipelines’ protection. It is said that during this hearing, the contractor for Tantita Security Services accused other competing firms of being involved in sabotaging oil pipelines.
In response, the Managing Director of another firm—Abili Integrated Services, identified as Brown Edoghotu, refuted the claims by dismissing them as baseless allegations which were hurting the reputation of his company.
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He went on further to clarify that the video which was used in support of the allegation, did not feature a worker at all, but rather showed him standing near the damaged pipeline site.
The visit, according to him, was carried out in September 2022 in Oshika, located in the Ahoada West Local Government Area after an alleged event.
The report indicates that this operation involved a joint investigation alongside the Nigerian Agip Oil Company, together with security operatives and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. This was done to establish how far the breach went.
The situation was further aggravated when he said operatives suspected to have links to the Tantita group were involved in criminal acts such as oil bunkering and vandalization of pipelines. According to him, individuals believed to engage in the two practices had been arrested and taken to the relevant bodies.
Moreover, allegations linking his company’s areas of operations to the discovery of illegal crude oil storage tanks were not true, according to him. He argued that such claims are exaggerated without any evidence to prove otherwise.
In addition, he challenged allegations linking his areas of operation with canals utilized for the purpose of stealing oil.
In further comments, he raised issues about the efficiency of surveillance activities in the areas controlled by the competing security firm, citing some areas in Bayelsa and Delta states where he said that the levels of oil production have been continuously below expectations.
Although emphasizing that his company does not control all oil wells in the area, he stated that those regions under its control have enjoyed stability in production.
He emphasized that attempts at settling the matter privately were unsuccessful, and hence, the company opted to air their grievances in the public domain.
In its defense, Tantita Security Services pointed out that it has provided the necessary evidence, including video clips and other relevant information, during the hearing in the National Assembly.
A spokesman from the firm emphasized that the information provided during the hearing was within the normal process, allowing everyone to make up their mind regarding the issue.
