Nigerian Navy pleads with Nigerians "Help Us Capture Tompolo"

Nigerians have been urged to assist security agencies with vi­tal information that can lead to the arrest of wanted for­mer Niger Delta militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo.

The appeal came on Tuesday from the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas.

In an interaction with journalists in Warri, Ibas announced plans to upgrade the Nigerian Navy Second­ary School in Ibusa, Oshimi­li North Local Government Area of Delta State to a mar­itime university.

His disclosure raised fears that the Federal Gov­ernment may have finally dumped the controversial Nigerian Maritime Univer­sity in Okerenkoko in the same state.

Vice Admiral Ibas, who inspected facilities in na­val formations in the state, said the process of getting the university licenced for the operation was ongoing with the relevant agencies.

When asked about the whereabouts of Tompolo, he posted: “This suspect is declared wanted by the Eco­nomic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). It is the duty of all Nigerians, not that of the Navy or security agents alone to arrest him. Anyone with useful informa­tion should provide same for the relevant agencies to get to him.”

Ibas, who spoke with journalists at the Navy Air-Flow Station in Effurun near Warri, noted that the recent decline in attacks on oil facil­ities by Niger Delta militants was largely due to peace talks and military surveillance.

He added that the pro­posed university when ful­ly operational would serve both the military and gener­al public as well as save the country huge money spent on the training of its offic­ers abroad.

Ibas commissioned the newly refurbished intel­ligence control room, car parks and other facilities at the Warri Naval Base, head­quarters of the Nigerian Navy Ship, during the visit.

He explained that the Nigerian Navy Engineering College, Sapele, is also be­ing upgraded to one of the campuses of the new univer­sity which will be operated in partnership with a Greece foundation.

When also asked about the fate of the Nigerian Maritime University at Okerenkoko in Warri South Local Govern­ment Area of the state, Vice Admiral Ibas said that issues surrounding the school were being handled by the Feder­al Government and that he cannot comment further.