The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSCON) has raised concerns over what it described as an alleged coordinated effort by certain interests to undermine the operations of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, warning that such actions could trigger avoidable tension in the Niger Delta region.
The concerns were contained in a letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu and obtained by NewsNet Nigeria.
The letter was signed by the Chairman of HOSCON and Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, HRM King Monday Whiskey, who called on the President to urgently investigate the allegations and take necessary steps to prevent any breakdown of peace in the oil-producing region.
According to HOSCON, intelligence gathered from sources in Abuja and the Niger Delta suggests that individuals allegedly affected by the success of anti-crude oil theft operations have resorted to alternative means of frustrating Tantita Security Services.
The group alleged that delays in the release of funds for services rendered by Tantita have negatively impacted the company’s operations, resulting in prolonged salary delays and growing dissatisfaction among workers and subcontractors.
“Our intelligence from highly placed sources both in Abuja and across the Niger Delta indicates that since oil theft syndicates can no longer operate freely, some interests have allegedly adopted a new strategy by starving Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited of regular funding, thereby disrupting operational activities and creating salary delays,” the letter stated.
HOSCON claimed that workers and subcontractors attached to the company had reportedly gone for several months without payment, a situation it warned could affect morale and operational efficiency.
The organization expressed strong support for Tantita, describing the firm as a critical partner in the fight against crude oil theft and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta.
“We strongly condemn any attempt to frustrate the sacrifices and risks undertaken by Tantita Security Services in protecting national assets and restoring sanity to the region,” the letter added.
The host communities further commended the role played by the company in reducing illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism, noting that environmental conditions in many parts of the Niger Delta had improved significantly since the commencement of Tantita’s surveillance operations.
HOSCON urged President Tinubu to treat the matter with urgency, stressing that no individual or group interest should supersede the national interest.
The group also called on the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and other relevant stakeholders to provide the necessary support to sustain the gains recorded in pipeline surveillance and crude oil theft prevention.
“Sensitive national assignments such as pipeline security operations should receive adequate and timely funding. The Federal Government owes Nigerians a duty to investigate these allegations and ensure that the progress recorded in safeguarding the nation’s oil infrastructure is not reversed,” the letter stated.
HOSCON maintained that it would continue to draw public attention to any actions it believes could undermine efforts aimed at protecting Nigeria’s oil and gas assets and preserving peace in host communities.
