By Emmanuel Ogoigbe
COORDINATORS of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited from Itsekiri communities have strongly condemned calls by some individuals seeking the revocation of the firm’s pipeline surveillance contract, describing such agitations as self-serving and destabilising to the Niger Delta.
In a statement issued after a press briefing on Wednesday March 31, 2026, the coordinators said those behind the calls do not represent the interests of the people but are driven by “selfish motives and personal gain.”
They warned that such actions are capable of creating confusion and reintroducing disorder in the region, stressing that the agitators lack both the mandate and credibility to speak for Niger Delta communities.
The group, however, expressed appreciation to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for extending the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita, noting that the decision reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure.
They also threw their weight behind Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, describing him as “the most capable and reliable leader” for the assignment.
According to the coordinators, Tantita under Tompolo’s leadership has recorded significant success in reducing oil theft, improving security across waterways, and restoring confidence in the oil sector.
The statement further noted that the company operates an inclusive structure that accommodates all ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta, with community-based coordinators and contractors already engaged to ensure effective monitoring and accountability.
They emphasized that Itsekiri communities are adequately represented within the operational framework, adding that their involvement reflects fairness and recognition of their role as key stakeholders in oil-producing areas.
The coordinators maintained that calls for decentralisation or cancellation of the contract are misguided, alleging that some of the agitators were previously involved in illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism.
“Such individuals are only seeking avenues to resume criminal activities that have been curtailed by Tantita’s operations,” the statement added.
They stressed that the surveillance contract is not a regional entitlement but a responsibility entrusted to a competent organisation based on performance and results.
While urging critics to pursue legitimate opportunities, the coordinators reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Tantita in safeguarding Nigeria’s oil assets and sustaining peace and environmental stability in the Niger Delta.
The statement was jointly signed by coordinators across various Itsekiri clusters, including Mr Ebisam Fenemigho (Ubagboro), Mr Fidelis Ete Lori (Opumami/Obodo), Mr Richard Arubi (Ugborodo), Mr Emmanuel Demeyin (Deghele), and Chief Priest Roland Oti Yomere (Omadino), among others.
