Following the controversy that has trailed the recent destruction of a vessel by Security agents used for crude oil theft off the Niger Delta, the Federal Government has reacted, saying that the swift destruction was in line with the rules of engagement.
The vessel was reportedly cracked the by a newly-contracted private pipeline surveillance team, Tantita Security Services led by a former militant leader, Government Ekpemepulo, popularly known as Tompolo.
Many fumed at the action of security agents, saying the vessel should have been preserved as exhibit to prosecute the owners of the vessel.
But the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, stated on Friday after a National Security Council meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at Aso Villa in Abuja that the vessel was caught in the act and security agents subsequently set the “instrument of operation” ablaze, noting that no investigation is needed to carry out the action.
He said, “There are various approaches, various solutions to a problem and at any time based on certain factors, certain considerations, available to those that are at the frontline, actions are taken based on the directive which are contained in the rules of engagement.
“So, the burning of the vessel, it is because the thief was caught in the act and the procedure, if you are caught in the act, is that everything you are using to undertake that criminal activity should be destroyed and that was done.
“What investigation do you need that you find somebody who decided to deplore several pumping machines and has several hoses that are deployed to a dug out pit where crude oil is stored over a period?
“It was caught in the act. So, the instrument of operation was what was destroyed. I think it is straightforward. Whether that is the best is a different matter entirely but did they act in line with the rules of engagement? Yes, they did.”
However amid this controversies the House of Representatives subsequently said it would investigate the circumstances surrounding the destruction of the oil bunkering vessel by security agents.
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