Niger Delta’s Traditional Leaders Rally Behind Pipeline Security Firm Amidst Termination Calls
Host communities in Nigeria’s oil and gas-producing regions have strongly refuted calls for the termination of the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services in the Niger Delta. The Host Communities Traditional Leaders and Advisory Council of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSCON) has urged President Bola Tinubu to launch an immediate investigation into the true motives of groups advocating for the contract’s annulment, suggesting these entities are comprised of illegal oil bunkerers and vandals.
The Chairman of HOSCON and Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, Monday Obukohwo Arthur Whiskey, articulated this position in a statement issued from Warri. He asserted that the campaign against Tantita Security Services stems from the company’s effectiveness in disrupting the illicit operations of these criminal elements.
“As a critical stakeholder in the Niger Delta, we are aware that those involved in this act are bunkerers and pipeline vandals who see Tantita as an obstacle to their activities and have resorted to sustained campaigns against the company,” Whiskey stated. He further questioned the selective focus on Tantita, posing a rhetorical question: “Is Tantita the only pipeline security company in Nigeria? If the answer is no, then why the campaign against Tantita Security?”
The council believes that the agitation against Tantita Security Services is directly linked to its unwavering commitment to professional standards in safeguarding national oil and gas infrastructure. According to HOSCON, Tantita’s refusal to compromise its integrity has made it a target for those who profit from illegal activities.
“It can easily be concluded from the agitation of the faceless group that Tantita Security has refused to compromise its high professional standard of securing sensitive national installations to the detriment of the vandals and the bunkerers,” the statement read. HOSCON affirmed its commitment to opposing “disgruntled elements” who attempt to tarnish the firm’s reputation through public platforms.
The council also advocated for the Federal Government to acknowledge Tantita’s performance and consider expanding its operational mandate to other regions plagued by illegal oil-related activities.
Furthermore, HOSCON expressed unequivocal support for High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, the founder of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited. The council dismissed criticisms directed at him as unfounded.
“If at all there are any observations or misconceptions, there are established internal channels for resolving issues in the Niger Delta rather than resorting to blackmail and media propaganda,” the statement emphasized, suggesting that legitimate grievances should be addressed through proper channels.
The pipeline surveillance contract was initially awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited by the Federal Government, through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, in August 2022. The primary objectives of this contract were to combat crude oil theft, protect vital national infrastructure, and harness the benefits of local intelligence networks.
Impact and Achievements of Tantita Security Services
The initiative spearheaded by Tantita Security Services has yielded significant positive results in the Niger Delta region. Its operations have been instrumental in:
- Discovery of Illegal Activities: The firm has successfully identified and reported numerous instances of illegal oil connections and clandestine refineries, which have historically been major sources of environmental degradation and economic loss.
- Stabilisation of Production: By mitigating the impact of oil theft and vandalism, Tantita’s efforts have contributed to a more stable crude oil production output, reportedly stabilizing at approximately 1.8 million barrels per day. This stabilization is crucial for Nigeria’s national revenue and economic planning.
- Enhanced Infrastructure Protection: The presence and effectiveness of Tantita Security Services have provided a much-needed layer of security for critical oil and gas infrastructure, reducing the vulnerability of these assets to sabotage and theft.
- Leveraging Local Intelligence: The contract’s design emphasized the use of local intelligence, which has proven to be a highly effective strategy in identifying and apprehending perpetrators of oil-related crimes. This approach empowers local communities and fosters a sense of ownership in protecting national resources.
The ongoing campaign against Tantita Security Services, as highlighted by HOSCON, raises concerns about the potential resurgence of illegal oil bunkering and vandalism if the contract is indeed terminated. The traditional leaders and advisory council are calling for a thorough review of the situation to ensure the continued security and economic stability of the Niger Delta region. Their stance underscores the importance of recognizing the contributions of security firms that are actively working to safeguard national assets and uphold professional integrity.
