The management of Darlon Security and Guards says its operations has created more than 4,000 youths hitherto engaged in oil theft and sundry crimes in the creeks of Bayelsa.

The security firm in a statement issued in Yenagoa by the outfit’s Public Relations and Security Coordinator, Mr Preye Oseke, on Monday said the firm has curtailed vandalism of pipelines in its areas of operations.

The firm noted that resulting from its clampdown on oil theft, oil firms in the state were recording increased production and hence the corresponding oil derivation revenue accruing to the state in the past two years.

It dismissed allegations that the company was involved in criminal and illegal acts in its operations in swamp areas of the state and maintained that as a responsible and law-abiding firm it operates within the limits of the law.

The firm, reacting to the resolution sponsored by the member representing Sagbama Constituency 2 in the state Assembly, Mr Bernard Kenebai, noted that it was an irony that the legislator ignored the strides made by the firm.

It would be recalled that Kenebai, a retired Lt.-Col. had on July 2, 2018 while presenting the motion criticised the security firm accusing its employees of extra-judicial killings amongst other heinous crimes.

The security outfit described the allegations from Kenebai, as “ill-conceived, malicious, unfounded and politically motivated” and wondered why the lawmaker, a security professional was playing politics with security.

It said that going by the experience of the lawmaker, he ought to know that his allegations were frivolous and is far from the truth.

The firm stated that personnel of the security outfit do not bear arms but compliment efforts of conventional security agencies including the JTF, Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps amongst others

According to Oseke, suspects arrested in the course of its duty, usually are handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.

He said rather than condemning the activities of Darlon Security and Guards, the House should have commended the company for combating the menace posed by oil thieves in the state

Oseke explained that operations 0f the firm in the last few years have changed the narrative in the entire Swamp Area which hitherto was the hotbed of crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and illegal refineries.

“Today, the state revenue has increased sharply with more funds coming to the government coffers through the 13% derivation.

“This is as a result of increase in crude oil production due to our operations in conjunction with the security agencies in the swamp area.

“In addition, over 4,000 jobless youths have been taken off our creeks and streets through our effort by engaging them in surveillance jobs and also helping to curb illegal refining of stolen crude oil.

“These have tackled also the attendant destruction of the environment and aquatic lives.

“Also, medical outreaches have been organised at different times for the rural folks in the Swamp area, while women also are being empowered as part of our corporate social responsibilities.

“It is also an established fact, that multinational oil companies have commenced projects in communities due to the drastic reduction of oil theft in the general area.

“We consider the motion as sponsored by Hon. Kenebai as ill-conceived, malicious, unfounded and politically motivated all in an attempt to cast aspersion on our genuine efforts to secure the nation’s critical oil and gas assets and discredit us in the public domain.

“The Management of Darlon Security and Guard is unperturbed and will not be distracted and is focused on its core mandate of eliminating all forms of criminality against oil & gas facilities in the swamp area,” the statement read in part.

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