By Ovasa Ogaga,
The Nigerian Army has pledged to deepen its collaboration with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) to strengthen security across the Niger Delta and sustain the country’s improving crude oil production.
General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Ejim-Emekah, made this known on Wednesday in Effurun, Delta State, during the commissioning of newly reconstructed and furnished headquarters for Sector 1, Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, and the 3 Battalion Headquarters—projects sponsored by Tantita.
Ejim-Emekah said sustained collaboration between the Army, Tantita and other security agencies has significantly curbed oil theft, pipeline vandalism and economic sabotage, noting that “partnerships with credible private-sector operators such as Tantita have significantly strengthened the capacity of troops to combat oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.”
The GOC, who also serves as Land Component Commander of Operation Delta Safe, attributed the gradual rise in Nigeria’s crude oil output to improved protection of critical national assets, particularly oil and gas infrastructure.
“Tantita is doing a lot in support of 6 Division. They are not only active in Delta State, but also extending their interventions to Rivers and Bayelsa States. Recently, without being compelled, they undertook another major project for us in Port Harcourt,” he said.
Recalling his assumption of office on January 24 last year, Ejim-Emekah said one of his first visits to Warri exposed the poor condition of some military facilities. “What I saw then was not befitting of an operational infantry battalion. Even the company headquarters in some places were better. I told the Commanding Officer that if nothing else was done, the outlook of the headquarters must change,” he said.
He expressed satisfaction that the directive had yielded results with the completion of the new facilities, which include 13 newly constructed offices at the 3 Battalion Headquarters and the remodelling of 22 offices at Sector 1.
“These facilities will significantly enhance command and control and make administration easier. This commissioning is a reflection of purposeful leadership and value addition by the sector commander,” the GOC added.
The project was conceptualised by the Commander, 63 Brigade and Sector 1 JTF OPDS, Brigadier General M.A. Shonibare, and executed as part of Tantita’s corporate social responsibility.
In his remarks, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Kestin Pondi, said sustainable security thrives on strong public-private partnerships, a principle he said underpins Tantita’s operations in safeguarding Nigeria’s energy assets.
“Since our engagement by NNPC Limited in August 2022, Tantita has worked closely with government security agencies, most notably the Nigerian Army, to combat oil theft, pipeline vandalism and related economic sabotage,” Pondi said.
He noted that the commissioning symbolises more than infrastructure, describing it as an investment in people, capacity and operational readiness. According to him, the project, which began in August 2025, was completed in record time, highlighting the power of synergy.
Pondi commended the Office of the National Security Adviser, NNPCL, the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police, DSS, Civil Defence Corps, host communities and Tantita staff for their support.
The ceremony attracted senior military officers, representatives of sister security agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders, reinforcing the growing role of private-sector collaboration in strengthening national security and boosting Nigeria’s oil production.
