A recent incident involving the interception of an ocean-going vessel, MT PRAISEL, by the Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) in Delta State has brought to light the internal friction among security agencies tasked with protecting oil facilities in the Niger Delta.
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Conflicts between various security agencies over operational procedures had been ongoing prior to TSSNL’s August 2 interception of the oil tanker, which was being escorted by Navy personnel.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) had engaged TSSNL and other private security contractors in their fight against oil thieves, sparking in-house disagreements among security officials.
Some officials feel that TSSNL and other private security contractors have overstepped their bounds in intercepting suspected stolen crude oil. The recent MT PRAISEL incident has since led to controversy and media reports questioning the role of private security firms in oil theft arrests.
The TSSNL, which the NNPCL brought on board due to Chairman and ex-militant leader Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo’s mastery of Niger Delta creeks, has also faced criticism for its daring mode of operation. Despite this, TSSNL’s success in uncovering illegal pipelines and a floating illegal loading depot in the delta has been significant.
However, disputes amongst security agencies have allowed crude oil bunkering cartels to exploit the confusion to conduct their illicit activities. These cartels, which include highly placed Nigerians involved in the oil industry, have consistently stolen crude oil and simultaneously provided a protection racket for oil thieves.
In response to the MT PRAISEL incident, the Nigerian Navy, a key player in the fight against maritime offenses, has expressed discomfiture and denied any involvement in the vessel’s interception.
According to the Navy, TSSNL’s action was high-handed and unprofessional, while laboratory analysis of the product onboard MT PRAISEL showed that it was High Pour Fuel Oil (HPFO) and not crude oil.
The Commander of JTF, OPDS, Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira, has since ordered the immediate release of MT PRAISEL. Despite this, the controversy over whether private security contractors have the authority to arrest oil thieves rages on.
