The Executive Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), High Chief Kestin Pondi, has commended stakeholders and fallen heroes who have contributed to reducing crude oil theft in the Niger Delta. Speaking in Warri, Delta State, during the company’s end-of-year celebration, Pondi highlighted the organization’s achievements in combating oil-related criminality.
He noted that under Tantita's watch over two years, crude oil theft has significantly decreased. Major arrests and asset seizures have been made, reflecting the organization’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s economic resources.
Pondi paid tribute to Tantita’s fallen heroes, stating their sacrifices were invaluable in the fight against oil theft. A moment of silence was observed in their honour. He emphasized that their efforts have led to increased crude oil production and proved that their sacrifices were not in vain.
Acknowledging the vital support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and security agencies like the Nigerian Army, Navy, and DSS, Pondi expressed gratitude for their encouragement. He also thanked host communities for their collaboration.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we would not have achieved this milestone without the relentless backing of the government, security forces, and our communities. To our fallen heroes, your efforts have secured a brighter future for Nigeria," Pondi remarked.
The event also celebrated Tantita’s workforce, recognizing their dedication and resilience in tackling illegal operations across the Niger Delta. Pondi urged continued collaboration and pledged that the fight against oil theft will remain a priority.
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Executive Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), High Chief Kestin Pondi,[/caption]
Here Is The Full Welcome Address High Chief (Engr.) Kestin Ebimorbowei Pondi, FNII, FNSE, the Managing Director Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited
1. Good evening, esteemed guests, colleagues, and friends,
2. It is a great honour to welcome you to Tantita’s Award Night: Honouring Excellence This Christmas. Tonight, we gather not just to celebrate achievements but to reflect on the incredible journey we have undertaken together in our fight against oil theft and crude oil vandalism.
3. This battle is not just about protecting the nation’s oil and gas infrastructures, it is a mission to secure the economic future of Nigeria. At Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, we have embraced this responsibility with unwavering resolve, and I am proud to say we are making significant strides in this fight.
4. Before the advent of the Industry-wide Security architecture called Operation Plug as established by the Board of NNPC E&P, under the distinguished leadership of Mele Kolo Kiari in 2022, crude oil losses measured 36.69 million barrels, with a daily production output of about 800,000–900,000 bpd. It was a dark time for the industry and the country at large.
5. In less than two years, of the engagement of Tantita, the results were astounding as the report from NEITI (Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative) and NUPRC (Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission) for the year 2023 (January to December 2023) shows very significant reduction of oil losses from 36.69 million barrels in 2022 to 7.68 million barrels, reflecting a whopping 79% decrease compared to the previous year.
6. In Span Tantita’s operations within these years (August 2022 – Nov 2024), the contribution of Tantita’s workforce, who have shown unparalleled commitment in the fight against Crude oil theft, discovered a total of 3,963 incidents captured on IMRA. Out of these numbers, 702 were illegal connection points, 971 were cases of theft, 1,784 were illegal refinery cases involving the destruction of 3,063 (as some of the IR were in a Cluster, having more than one Train), and 204 cases of Aversion/Deterrent.
7. It is also worth noting that within this same period of intense work, the Tantita Team apprehended 8 vessels, (3) Tugboats and 6 Barges, 117 Vehicles, 52 Tanker Trucks, 47 Fibre/Speed boats, 7 tricycles/motorcycles and 1,743 wooden boats involved in illegal operations.
8. While it will be exhausting to highlight every detail of our journey to curtail the scourge of oil theft, a whole lot of other discoveries have been made by our team that have subsumed the scourge of oil theft as either a crime of need or that of greed.
9. Our success is rooted in collaboration and the support we have received from the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Led administration whose commitment and partnership have strengthened our resolve and amplified our impact. Our immense gratitude goes to the unwavering support of the Government Security Agencies, especially the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Civil Defense, the Department of State Security Service and the Nigerian Navy. Your dedication to eradicating oil theft and vandalism has emboldened us to achieve milestones that were once thought unattainable.
10. While we recount our success story, we will not forget those who paid the ultimate price. The ones in whose blood the flag of our success rests. The military, especially personnel of the Nigerian Army, civil defence, key informants and, of course, personnel of TSSNL who died in the course of ensuring that our nation has a booming economy, we mourn and celebrate your sacrifices in the same breath.
11. Equally, I want to recognise the incredible efforts of our team—a resilient and dedicated group of individuals whose collective contributions drive our success. Whether in the field, planning operations, providing support, or ensuring seamless execution, every member of the Tantita family plays an indispensable role in achieving our mission. Your courage, diligence, and determination inspire us all, and tonight, we celebrate you.
12. As we honour excellence through these awards, let them serve as a reminder of what we can achieve when we work together with unity of purpose. They are not just symbols of individual accomplishment but also a testament to the power of teamwork and shared vision.
13. *While we celebrate tonight, let us also look forward with renewed determination. The journey ahead will require even greater effort, but together, with the support of the government and the strength of our united team, there is no challenge we cannot overcome.*
14. Thank you for joining us on this special occasion. Let us enjoy the evening, celebrate our victories, and embrace the possibilities of a better future.
