By Abbanobi -Eku Onyekachi, Abuja
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has made a significant breakthrough in its efforts to combat vandalism and piracy in the Niger Delta region. The NSCDC’s Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’S SIS) has arrested 17 high-profile suspects in connection with a renewed hostility attack on oil and gas installations in Bayelsa State, according to a press statement from CSC Babawale Afolabi, the Public Relations Officer, NSCDC National Headquarters, Abuja on Monday.
The attack, which occurred on January 21, 2025, resulted in the killing of Assistant Superintendent Umar Aliyu and the theft of a speed boat belonging to Tantita Security Services. The suspects, who were arrested on March 6, 2025, at Tonogbe, Ekeremo Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, are believed to be part of a notorious syndicate of sea pirates.
On the arrest and investigation, the CG’s SIS Boss, Commandant AS Dandaura, revealed that the arrest was made possible through a tactically coordinated intelligence-based operation conducted in synergy with other security agencies. The suspects, who were found with various arms and ammunition, including an AK47 rifle, two empty AK47 magazines, charms, and Tantita Security uniforms, have confessed to their involvement in the attack.
The suspected leader of the syndicate, Ziakede Amatu, an alleged notorious vandal from Norgbene community in Ekeremo, Bayelsa State, has been identified as the mastermind behind the attack. Amatu, who has been allegedly terrorizing the community and neighboring states, had previously worked with another suspect, known as “Emergency,” in illegal refining of petroleum products in Rivers State.
According to the suspects, the attack was motivated by a desire to blackmail the Tantita Security Chairman, Ekpemupolo Owiezide Government, also known as Tompolo. The suspects had attempted to infiltrate Tantita Security Services and obtain surveillance contracts but were unsuccessful. In retaliation, they launched a series of attacks on oil and gas installations, including the one that resulted in the killing of Assistant Superintendent Umar Aliyu.
The NSCDC has recovered several exhibits from the suspects, including: One AK47 rifle; Two empty AK47 magazines, Charms, 15 Tantita Security uniforms (shirt and trouser);15 Tantita Security T-shirts and; 15 black boots*
The NSCDC has assured that the suspects will face the full wrath of the law. The Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad has thanked the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for his support and logistic enablement, which has facilitated the squad’s remarkable achievements in fighting crimes and criminalities.
The NSCDC has also vowed to continue its efforts to combat vandalism and piracy in the Niger Delta region, working in synergy with other security agencies to ensure the safety and security of the region.
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