November 22, (THEWILL) – Former Secretary-General of the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, Comrade Jude Gbaboyor, has accused police officers allegedly attached to Tantita Security Services Limited of attempting to kidnap him at his Abuja residence.
The alleged attempt, which he claims stemmed from his defense of the Nigerian Navy against oil theft accusations, was reportedly foiled by vigilant security personnel and neighbors.
In a statement issued on Friday, Gbaboyor alleged that six armed men in civilian clothing, claiming to be police officers from the Bayelsa State Police Command, stormed his residence without a warrant.
He described their actions as an illegal attempt to abduct him over his public comments criticizing Tantita Security Services and its founder, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
“The men had no valid identification or arrest warrant and retreated after neighbors and passersby intervened, suspecting them to be impersonators or kidnappers,” Gbaboyor stated.
He further alleged that the officers later reported to the police in Abuja, filing false claims against him to cover their tracks.
Gbaboyor, a vocal critic of Tompolo, had accused the former militant leader and senior officials at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited of being complicit in crude oil theft—a claim that has drawn public attention and controversy.
He noted that Tompolo had previously accused the Nigerian Navy and other security forces of oil theft. Gbaboyor, however, countered these claims, stating that the Navy is being unfairly maligned while alleging that Tompolo and others are the real culprits.
Citing NNPCL Group CEO Mele Kyari’s revelation that crude oil theft costs Nigeria over $1.9 billion monthly, Gbaboyor called for transparency in addressing the menace.
He accused Tantita Security Services of serving as a front for senior NNPCL officials in the crude oil theft racket.
Meanwhile, the Movement for the Sustainable Development of the Niger Delta condemned the alleged assassination attempt, describing it as a ploy to silence dissenting voices in the region.
In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Kelvin Orughoe, the group urged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate the incident and prosecute those involved.
The group stated, “The failed attempt on Comrade Gbaboyor’s life shows a dangerous double standard.
“While Tompolo’s accusations against the Navy were celebrated, Gbaboyor is being targeted for defending the Navy with factual evidence.”
The group further called on President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to intervene and protect citizens from being silenced for expressing their opinions.
MSDND also questioned the $370.8 million contract awarded to Tantita Security Services in 2022 for protecting Western Corridor oil assets, alleging that the deal raises concerns about accountability and conflict of interest.
“It is pathetic that senior NNPCL officials are using Tantita as a propaganda tool against Africa’s largest naval force,” the group said.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
