The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested 17 people suspected of attacking oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta and killing an officer.
The corps’ spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Monday.
According to NSCDC, the operation took place in the early hours of March 6, 2025, in Bayelsa State’s Ekeremo Local Government Area. The suspects were linked to the murder of Assistant Superintendent Umar Aliyu and the theft of a speedboat belonging to Tantita Security Services.
The head of the NSCDC’s Special Intelligence Squad, Commandant Apollos Dandaura, explained that the attack occurred on January 21, 2025.
“Upon arrival at the base, they shot sporadically at the officers and innocent civilians, which led to the killing of ASC Umar Aliyu. His AK-47 rifle was carted away, Ebikame Seimeneyefa of Tantita Security was shot, and Tantita’s speedboat was also hijacked and stolen,” Dandaura said.
After weeks of investigation, security operatives tracked down the criminals, including their leader, Ziakede Amatu.
“We mounted a round-the-clock and relentless onslaught against the suspects in collaboration with sister security agencies and Tantita Security. We succeeded in smashing the 17 deadly sea pirates led by a notorious vandal, kidnapper, and armed robber called Ziakede Amatu, who hails from Norgbene community in Ekeremo, Bayelsa State,” the statement added.
Authorities say Amatu and his gang had been involved in several criminal activities, including oil theft and illegal refining.
Further investigations revealed that they planned the attack on NSCDC and Tantita operatives to disrupt security operations and take control of oil facilities.
The suspects also confessed to stealing firearms and hiding them in a forest before later using them under the pretense of “community protection.”
The statement noted that the group attempted to disguise themselves by getting uniforms from Tantita Security Services.
“They embarked on this mischievous blackmail against the Tantita Security Chairman, Ekpemupolo Owiezide Government, aka Tompolo, since they could not infiltrate and get some surveillance contracts sublet to them,” the statement revealed.
Among those arrested were Aaron Ekogbene, Ebimene Adeseotu, Toukekenme Emmanuel Police, Ken David, Timiprey Ekogbene, and Isaac Pius.
Security operatives also recovered an AK-47 rifle, empty magazines, and several Tantita Security uniforms, including boots and shirts.
Dandaura praised NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Audi for supporting the squad in carrying out its duties.
“The necessary logistics support has enabled the squad to fight crimes, combat illegal bunkering activities, and dislodge criminal elements from their hideouts,” he said.
The NSCDC assured the public that the suspects would be prosecuted after investigations.
