*Nigerian Navy Accused of Complicity in Oil Theft: A Call for Investigation*

A recent allegation has surfaced, accusing the Nigerian Navy of involvement in crude oil theft, specifically in the release of the vessel MT Lady Matilda, which was impounded by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) for crude oil theft. The Ohaneze Stakeholders Assembly (OSA) has petitioned the Director-General of the Department of State Security (DSS) to investigate this matter.

The OSA has expressed concerns that the Nigerian Navy's actions may be embarrassing to the leadership of Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. They have also commended the DSS's efforts in combating insecurity and criminality in Nigeria.

The allegations against the Nigerian Navy are serious, and an investigation is necessary to unravel the truth. The OSA has requested that the DSS identify the top echelons who gave orders for the release of the bunkering vessel and those who carried out the operation.

It is essential to note that the Nigerian Navy has been accused of frustrating the efforts of private security companies, such as Tantita Security Services Limited, which have been engaged by the Federal Government to provide surveillance and protection for the nation's oil assets.

The OSA's petition has brought to the fore the need for a thorough investigation into the allegations against the Nigerian Navy. The DSS's intervention is crucial in unraveling the mystery of crude oil theft and bringing perpetrators to justice.

As the nation waits with bated breath, it is essential that the DSS conducts a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations against the Nigerian Navy. The success of this operation will not only bring perpetrators to justice but also help to restore confidence in the nation's security agencies.

 Below is the Open Letter by the Stakeholders.

OPEN LETTER TO MR. ADEOLA OLUWATOSIN AJAYI DIRECTOR-GENERAL, DEPARTMENT OF STATE SECURITY SERVICES (DSS) TO INVESTIGATE THE NIGERIAN NAVY,  OVER ACCUSATIONS OF AIDING CRUDE THEFT AND RECENT FORCED RELEASE OF MT LADY MATILDA, IMPOUNDED BY TANTITA SECURITY SERVICES NIGERIA LIMITED (TSSNL) FOR CRUDE OIL THEFT.

"We hope this open petition meets you well. We write on behalf of OHANEZE STAKEHOLDERS ASSEMBLY (OSA), based at  Enugu, South East, Nigeria."

 "Our people say, an ailment that is not promptly attended could consume the sick. The issue of oil theft in the Niger Delta Region echoes across the nation daily and escalates without let."

 "And the mention of the Nigerian Navy as facilitator and intermediary in the illegal bunkering trade is embarrassing to even contemplate. "

 

"Only a jinxed and delinquent son would open the family house for intruders to rape family members, a development which must be a sad scenario to conceive, an aberration."

 "It is ridiculous to hear that a navy established and funded with taxpayers money could resort to criminality against the sovereign."

"Hence, we ask to know through your office if it is the men of the Nigerian Navy who are out to crumble the nation's economy, or some unidentified persons in disguise as personnel of the service?"

 "Nigerians are confused and want answers from your office.

 The Navy's culpability kept resurfacing in the press, all for the criminal activities of its men. Nigerians want all allegations unravelled without delay. "

"But firstly, we want to commend your time honoured efforts in combating all forms of insecurity and criminality in Nigeria. Your leadership has been instrumental in addressing threatening challenges that have bedevilled the nation, as the current Director General of the Agency. "

"As expressed above, we are compelled to bring to your attention the pressing national issue of illegal oil bunkering involving state actors. Your quick intervention is sought to unravel the Gordian knot. "

"That indeed the Nigerian Navy is involved in crude oil theft, an economic crime, akin to sabotage and treason.

 Yet not one agency of government seems bold enough to investigate and validate the accusation. "

*On its part, the Navy merely puts up a once in a while feeble defence, often watery and unsatisfactory.

The nation's economy has been negatively impacted by the crude oil theft."

 "Oil production oscillates back and forth like a worn out pendulum. It seems impossible to reach the 2.2 million barrels per day OPEC allocation to Nigeria.  This brazen act of sabotage of the national interest has far-reaching implications for the economy."

"Not to be forgotten in recent times, is the failure of the Nigerian Navy to discharge its constitutional obligations - a lapse that prompted the Federal Government, to engage private security companies, to provide the required surveillance and protection for the nation's oil assets."

 "And they appear to be doing quite well, especially: Tantita Security Services Limited. It has been on the news with different reports on how they carry out their duties and had pointed accusing fingers at the navy of aiding crude oil theft."

"The Navy has been frustrating these security companies from doing their work as it does not see them as partners in nation-building. The Navy does all in its powers to destabilize their operation, and has become a behemoth on the path to progress."

 "This is unpatriotic and an act of treason.

 It requires the immediate intervention of DSS to break the conundrum. 

Hence, this open petition is brought to your attention."

"In this regard, we urge you to institute investigations into a recent allegations of oil theft and economic sabotage against the Nigerian Navy. Men of the Navy were said to have recently forced the release of one, MT LADY MATILDA, an unregistered vessel involved in crude oil theft, around the Bonny waterways of Rivers State, that was impounded by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL)."

"The Naval personnel were reported to have fired shots at the operatives  of Tantita and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps on board the impounded vessel loaded with stolen crude. Some operatives of Tantita and NSCDC were reportedly injured in the bloody encounter. This paved the way for the escape of the vessel, with its stolen content."

"If the accusation is true, then the nation is in big trouble, an indicator that the rot in the system is beyond comprehension." 

*We know you have the mettle to thoroughly investigate and unravel the mystery of the newly recorded crude theft in Rivers State. And when you do, the  culprits should be brought to justice.

There is a compelling need to overhaul the Navy and sanction officers and men who are regularly involved in such charades."

 "However, emphasis should be placed on the recent incidence of the MT LADY MATILDA.

 The DSS has the capacity and technical know-how to investigate and purge the Navy of bad eggs. And there should be no sacred cows. "

"The Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, appears impotent and inept to purge his officers and men caught in acts of criminality.

 The nation cannot afford to depend on his tepid approach to the problem any longer."

"We request that you identify the top echelons who gave  orders for the release of the bunkering vessel, the MT LADY MATILDA and those who carried out the operation.*

 "The officers should not be availed anonymity when found, but exposed and prosecuted for economic crimes and treasonable felony. "

"They presently bask in offices and close doors in Abuja and Lagos, from where they give directive to their partners and syndicates on the high sea.

 Their activities can not be accepted as normal. The limit has been crossed.

With bated breath,  the nation watching.

 Mr. President will be pleased with the success of your operation."

 "Through thoroughness, we expect you to burst the syndicates behind the plundering of our commonwealth. 

The good Lord guides you in the onerous task ahead."

 

Yours sincerely,

Ikechukwu Nwolisa

President, (OSA).

Okonkwo Chimdi

Secretary, (OSA).