The Head of the Association of Urhobo Mayoral Family Crown (AUMFC), the Mayor of Urhoboland, and a prominent ex-militant leader from the Delta belt, Eshanekpe Israel, a.k.a Akpodoro, has issued a stern warning to Michael Diden, a former member of the Delta State House of Assembly, against making inflammatory remarks about the operations of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), which is owned and managed by High Chief Government Ekpemukpolo, a.k.a Tompolo.
Akpodoro emphasized that TSSNL’s mandate is to protect Nigeria’s oil infrastructure, irrespective of ethnic backgrounds, and the battle against oil pipeline theft is a national issue that transcends ethnic sentiments. He said that such remarks from the former lawmaker could incite unnecessary conflict and disrupt the progress made by TSSNL in curbing illegal activities in the oil sector.
Speaking in Abuja at a well-attended meeting of Niger Delta stakeholders convened by him, the Mayor asserted that it would not have been necessary to respond to the podcast made by the respected Itsekiri leader, but for the need to caution him to stop bringing ethnic colorations into matters that require national focus.
He alleged that Diden’s comments were driven by jealousy and an attempt to undermine Tompolo’s security efforts, adding that the criticism was unwarranted, as TSSNL has significantly contributed to boosting the nation’s oil production and maintaining security in critical areas.
“The fight against oil theft is not about ethnicity. It’s about protecting the nation’s wealth,” Akpodoro stated. “It doesn’t matter where suspected oil thieves are from or where they live—the law will catch up with them. I urge the oil communities to reject the temptation of becoming sanctuaries for oil thieves. TSSNL is fulfilling its role as mandated by the federal government to fight oil theft relentlessly.”
The Mayor further warned Diden, also known as Ejele, to stop harassing TSSNL personnel, stressing that such actions could undermine the fight against oil theft. Instead, he advised him to redirect his energy toward guiding the youth in oil-rich communities and preventing them from engaging in illegal activities.
“TSSNL is fulfilling its federal mandate irrespective of whose interests may be hurt,” Akpodoro continued. “Ejele is speaking for himself, not for the Itsekiri nation. No amount of conspiracy or blackmail can tarnish the work that TSSNL is doing. The security firm is on a mission to make Nigerian waters unsafe for criminals. We must all work towards peace and maintaining law and order.”
Akpodoro strongly emphasized that TSSNL’s personnel, drawn from the Nigerian security forces, are mandated to arrest and prosecute anyone involved in criminal activities such as oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism, and other illicit acts. He made it clear that no one could hide behind ethnic lines to escape justice.
“TSSNL will continue its war against oil theft. There is no hiding place for criminals. If you are involved in illegal oil activities, TSSNL will come for you. No tribe can protect criminal behavior from the law,” he warned.
Mayor Akpodoro urged all stakeholders to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and supportive of the national effort to safeguard Nigeria’s oil resources. He emphasized that the efforts of TSSNL should be seen as part of the broader collective responsibility to ensure that the country’s wealth is preserved for future generations.
