By Ejiro Nesisa
As the background of the claim in a press statement on Thursday the 7th of December, 2023 by the Director of Naval Information, Nigerian Navy, Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan informing the general public that the Nigerian Navy had detected and arrested a 77 meter long motor tanker for crude oil theft with her 17 crew members alleging that Tantita Nigeria Services is responsible for these illegalities on the ground that Awoye Riverine area which is close to the place of arrest is covered by TSS, Tantita Management has come up to say that the allegation is false.
In a press statement signed by Capt. Warredi Enisuoh Executive Director, Operations and Technical, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited said the management is saddened and disappointed that the Nigerian Navy could descend so low as to make such bizarre accusations against the organisation when they know it is false.
According to the statement, the Nigerian Navy are not on the know that video evidence of what transpired between the Tantita Operatives and the Nigerian Navy at the scene exists and has been transmitted to the highest authorities. The statement read in part:”
Our attention has been drawn to a defamatory and libellous statement made by the Nigerian Navy against our organisation, Tantita Security Services Limited.
He further added and we quote “it is believed that Tantita Security Services is involved in these illegalities because Awoye riverine area which is close to the place of arrest is covered by TSS.
Again, it was upon the arrest of the vessel by the Nigerian Navy that TSS began to raise false alarm, totally unfounded and indeed mischievous.
Perhaps they are not aware that video evidence of what transpired between the Tantita operatives and the Nigerian Navy at the scene exists and has been transmitted to the highest authorities”.
The statement further said the Management of Tantita Nigeria Services is however not ready to trade words with Nigerian Navy as the Nigerians can not be misled as they(Nigerians) know who is who in this regard.