By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs), led by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors of Nigeria (RHAN) and the Centre for Action Against Corruption (CAAC), has strongly condemned recent unfounded allegations that the Nigerian Navy is involved in oil theft in the Niger Delta.

At a press conference held in Abuja on Thursday, the group described the claims as baseless and lacking any substantial evidence.

During the briefing, Abdullahi Bilal, the spokesperson for the coalition, emphasized the negative background of those making the allegations, including past involvement in militant activities and criminal acts in the region.

He stressed that such individuals lacked the moral standing to undermine the efforts of the Nigerian Navy, which has been instrumental in the fight against oil theft.

The CSOs praised the Nigerian Navy under the leadership of Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff, for its significant achievements in curbing maritime crimes.

According to him, these achievements include the destruction of illegal refining sites, the arrest of sea pirates, and over 21,630 hours of patrol that have led to numerous seizures and arrests.

The group commended Rear Admiral Ogalla for justifying his appointment by President Tinubu and for effectively advancing the Renewed Hope mandate in the security sector.

The coalition further urged the Navy to stay focused and resilient in its mission, assuring that success in the battle against oil theft is imminent. They cautioned that allowing misinformation to spread unchecked could lead to increased criminality and instability, particularly in the already volatile Niger Delta region.

The group called on all Nigerians and peace-loving citizens to support the Navy’s efforts, warning against any attempts to undermine the security forces’ morale. The CSOs reiterated that defending the Navy and its personnel is vital to ensuring the security of the nation and the protection of its resources.

Bilal stated, “The allegations made are unsubstantiated, baseless, frivolous and lacking in merit.

“It is our collective responsibilities to fight against those forces and interest which tries to undermine our very collective existence and interest.

“This is why we are here today. This, to us is an apt opportunity to take the bull by the horns and conscientize the public on the evil intentions of Tompolo and the sensitive nature of his allegation, as it tries to undermine the Nigerian navy and also reduce the morale of the fighting gallant men in the field.

“Unchecked misinformation could lead to chaos and increased criminality. We believe that lifting up this curtain of secrecy and mischief will move the nation forward, encourage the Armed Forces and indeed the security forces all over the nation, as the sacrifice to secure us.

“We must also warn of the chaos, destruction and up surge in criminalities if such misinformation and mischief continues unchecked and unmitigated.

“We call on the CNS to remain focused, unfazed and resilient in his dogged fight as success is just around the corner, and to discountenance the allegation as those that are with you are more than those against you.

“We therefore call on all lovers of peace and workers with God to join us to condemn this orchestrated onslaught against those men who have decided to haphazard their lives so that we can live in peace and quiet.”