A Warri-based legal firm, Robinson Ariyo & Co., has called on President Bola Tinubu to investigate allegations of arms stockpiling against Tantita Security Limited (TSSL), a private security firm owned by ex-Niger Delta militant Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
In a letter of protest addressed to President Tinubu and copied to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the firm described Tantita’s activities as posing a significant threat to national, West African, and regional peace.
Signed by Chief Robinson Ariyo, the petition highlights concerns over the alleged illegal proliferation of small, medium, and heavy firearms in the Warri Coastal Areas, spanning Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South-West Local Government Areas of Delta State.
The legal firm, acting on behalf of the Concerned Itsekiri Communities Organization and affiliate groups, expressed strong disapproval of what it termed “a cocktail of illegal and life-threatening activities” perpetrated by Tantita Security Limited. These activities, they allege, include arms stockpiling, land grabbing, and human rights violations, disguised under the pretence of a registered security outfit.
The protest letter further stated:
“The proliferation of arms in the hands of private actors in Warri Coastal Areas is alarming. This, coupled with incidents of encroachment and illegal renaming of Itsekiri homelands, has led to violent persecution of our people, allegedly with the involvement of Tantita Security.”
Robinson Ariyo & Co. urged President Tinubu to set up a panel of inquiry to thoroughly investigate the operations of TSSL, warning that failure to address the issue could escalate tensions and undermine regional stability.
The firm concluded by expressing hope that swift action and potential prosecution would follow to restore peace and uphold the rule of law in the affected areas.
