The Defence Headquarters has dismissed allegations by Mr. Government Ekpemuopolo, alias Tompolo, accusing the Nigerian Navy of sabotaging efforts to combat crude oil theft.
Responding to Tompolo’s claims, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, described the accusations as baseless and emphasized the Navy’s visible achievements in curbing economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.
Buba stated, “The allegation is laughable. We will not engage in back-and-forth. What we seek is cooperation, not conflict or blackmail. The Navy’s efforts in increasing crude oil production are evident, and we remain committed to working with stakeholders to sustain this progress.”
Tompolo, the chairman of Tantita Security Services, had accused Navy personnel of obstructing his company’s operations against oil theft. He called on Nigerians to support the fight to protect the nation’s economy.
Meanwhile, Buba also addressed the recent killing of three soldiers in Abia State by suspected IPOB/ESN members. He assured that those responsible would face justice but urged residents not to fear indiscriminate retaliation.
“We are a professional force with clear rules of engagement. Our actions will target the terrorists responsible for the attack, and there will be consequences for their actions,” he said, vowing to update the public as progress is made.
