Arewa Peoples Forum clamouring for private security operatives fighting against illegal oil bunkering. Photo:Victorson
A coalition of civil society activists has called on the Nigeria Navy to stop clamping down on private security operatives working to stop oil theft in the Niger Delta.
The Arewa Peoples Forum took part in a protest staged at the NNPCL towers in Abuja.
Four employees of Tantitas Security, a private security company hired by the federal government to guard waterways in the Niger Delta, were recently detained by the Navy
The leader of the group, Comrade Saidu Bello and a Niger Delta activist , Professor Tosan Harriman said the private security firm has been making positive impact in the fight against illegal oil bunkering and therefore should be encouraged and not harassed.
In response, the Naval Director of Information Commodore Ayo Vaughan, claimed that the arrest had taken place during routine operations in the Niger Delta and that the individuals had since been returned to the police and granted bail.
He emphasized the Navy’s preeminent position in safeguarding the nation’s water ways insisting that supportive security operatives should play by laid down rules for effective collaboration.
Reporting by Victorson, editing by Juliet Onwurah and Julian Osamoto