Coordinators of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited from Itsekiri communities have defended the company’s pipeline surveillance contract, condemning calls for its revocation and warning that such agitations are driven by “selfish motives” capable of destabilising the Niger Delta.
The statement, which was jointly signed by several Itsekiri coordinators, including Mr. Ebisan Fenemigho (Ubagboro Cluster), Mr. Fidelis Ete Lori (Opumami & Obodo Cluster), Mr. Richard Arubi (Ugborodo Cluster), Mr. Emmanuel Demeyin (Deghele Cluster), Mr. Johnson Onire (Aja-Osolo Cluster), Chief Priest Roland Oti Yomere (Omadino Cluster), Mr. Samson Uwatse (Ugbodede Cluster), Mr. Sunday Omatsuli (Ubeji Cluster), Mr. Abugewa Omatsonne (Ugbegugun Cluster).
Others are Mr. Richard Dere (Orere Cluster), Mr. Bernard Omaghomi (Kolokolo Cluster), Mr. Ofeoritse Mene (Okogho Unit), Mr. Kessington Urunden Ololo (Special Squad, Okogho), Mr. Alfred Obiri (Ifiekporo Cluster), Mr. David Hamman (Ugbolaja Cluster), Mr. Otomewo Omereyemi (Special Squad, Orere), Mr. Austin Tete (Egbokodo Cluster), and Mr. Friday Asamah (Koko Cluster), and others, praised Tantita for stabilising oil production in the region.
In a statement dated March 31, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the coordinators expressed “strong and unequivocal” opposition to individuals “parading themselves as leaders of the Niger Delta” while demanding the cancellation of the contract.
“We make it clear that these agitators do not represent the interests of the people but are driven by selfish motives and personal gain,” the statement read. “Their actions are not in the interest of peace, development, or stability in the Niger Delta, but are instead calculated attempts to create confusion and reintroduce disorder for their own benefit.”
The coordinators reaffirmed their legitimacy as representatives of their communities, insisting that those calling for the revocation of the contract lack both “mandate and credibility” to speak for the people.
They also commended the Federal Government for sustaining the contract, describing the decision as a demonstration of commitment to protecting critical national assets.
“We express our profound appreciation to the President… for the extension of the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita. This decision demonstrates the administration's commitment to continuity, efficiency, and the protection of the nation's critical oil and gas infrastructure,” they stated.
The group further endorsed the leadership of Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, crediting him with delivering “exceptional results” in securing pipelines and reducing crude oil theft.
“Under his leadership, Tantita has continued to deliver exceptional results in safeguarding pipelines, drastically reducing oil theft, and restoring confidence in the oil and gas sector,” the statement added.
Highlighting the structure of the operation, the coordinators noted that inclusivity was already embedded in Tantita’s framework, with representatives drawn from various ethnic nationalities and host communities across the Niger Delta.
“The company has put in place a comprehensive, inclusive framework where every community and ethnic nationality… is duly represented,” they said, adding that community-based coordinators and contractors are actively involved in operations and supervision.
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Itsekiri Coordinators back Tantita, knock ‘selfish agitators’ opposing pipeline contract[/caption]
They also attributed improved security and environmental conditions in the region to Tantita’s operations, citing reductions in kidnapping, unrest, and pollution.
“Tantita's operations have brought significant improvements to security and environmental stability… effectively eradicating incidents of kidnapping and unrest… while also contributing to the revival… of aquatic life,” the statement noted.
The coordinators warned against calls for decentralisation or cancellation of the contract, alleging that some of the agitators were previously involved in illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism.
“Such agitations are… deliberate attempts to destabilise the peace currently enjoyed… many of those behind these calls are individuals previously involved in pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering activities,” they alleged.
They stressed that the contract is not a regional entitlement but a responsibility awarded based on competence and performance.
“Let it be clearly stated that the pipeline surveillance contract is not a regional entitlement… but a responsibility entrusted by the Federal Government to a competent and capable organisation,” they said.
The group urged critics to pursue lawful opportunities rather than undermine an initiative they said is already delivering results, while reaffirming their commitment to sustaining peace and protecting oil and gas infrastructure.
“We reaffirm our unwavering support for Tantita Security Services and its leadership… to ensure the continued protection of Nigeria's oil and gas assets and sustaining peace… in the Niger Delta,” they concluded.
