In a concerted effort to combat illicit activities within Ondo State’s coastal regions, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Tantita Security Services Limited successfully dismantled a significant camp operated by crude oil thieves.
Operatives from both the NSCDC and Tantita Security Services engaged in a confrontation with the operators of the illicit crude oil camp, culminating in the camp’s destruction on Sunday. This operation, targeting the Trans Extravis Pipeline, took place at the Awoye seashore within the Ilaje local government area of Ondo State.
Captain Warredi Enisuoh, the Executive Director of Operations and Technical Services at Tantita Security Services Limited, released a statement on Monday detailing the operation. He noted that the collaboration between the Ondo State Commandant of Tantita, Idowu Asonja, and NSCDC personnel was pivotal in the success of the mission. Together, they raided the extensive storage facility where stolen crude oil was being traded to local buyers.
Despite the perpetrators evading capture, the operatives managed to seize and subsequently destroy 700 kegs filled with crude oil (equivalent to twenty-one thousand liters) and two wooden boats laden with the illicit substance.
Captain Enisuoh emphasized the significance of intelligence gathering, stating, “Our agents in the Awoye area provided crucial information about the nefarious activities occurring within the vicinity, with the perpetrators mistakenly believing their location to be impenetrable.” He further highlighted the collaboration’s commitment to eradicating such criminal activities by completely destroying the camp and its assets.
Chief Asonja, echoing the sentiment, cautioned the local populace against engaging in crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism. He appealed to them to support the ongoing efforts to combat economic sabotage, which are being intensified through joint operations involving the armed forces, the police, NSCDC, and Tantita Security Services Limited.
