Isoko Patriots, alongside President Generals, stakeholders, and coordinators of oil pipeline surveillance, have passed a vote of confidence in Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) and its leadership for their exceptional role in securing oil pipelines across the Niger Delta region.
In a strongly worded communique read at Opute Hall, Ozoro, by Chief Adonis Ubuwere, Chairman of Isoko PGs and President General of Irri Kingdom, the group condemned recent calls for the cancellation of Tantita’s oil surveillance contract by what they described as “faceless and misguided” individuals.
The group alleged that these agitations are being sponsored by crude oil theft syndicates aiming to sabotage the national oil security architecture.
“We have credible intelligence indicating these orchestrated protests are part of a broader plan to dismantle the oil surveillance structure and return the region to the dark days of unchecked crude oil theft,” the statement read.
The Isoko Patriots emphasized that Tantita’s operations have effectively curbed illegal bunkering and oil theft in Isoko land since its engagement in 2022 — achievements they claim were not recorded under previous surveillance contractors such as Eraskorp and Ocean Marine Solutions.
Highlighting that Tantita’s contract complies with the Petroleum Industry Act, the group lauded the company’s commitment to local content development, stating that several operations within OML 26 and OML 60 have been subcontracted to Isoko-owned firms.
“Tantita is currently one of the largest employers of labour in the Isoko area and has contributed immensely to regional peace and economic development,” the group added.
They further warned that attempts to undermine Tantita’s operations under the guise of ethnic agitation are divisive and counterproductive, especially since many Isoko companies are engaged in contracts outside their ethnic jurisdiction without facing similar opposition.
“The current agitations are not patriotic but represent a desperate fightback by displaced criminal networks. It is, indeed, a case of corruption fighting back.”
The group urged the Federal Government and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to disregard these distractions and instead strengthen support for Tantita’s operations.
They also called for the expansion of Tantita’s operational mandate and the establishment of special courts to try oil thieves and their sponsors.
The motion for the vote of confidence was moved by Engr. Atunu Alfred, President General of Otor-Owhe community, and seconded by Comrade Morisster Idibra, before being unanimously adopted by all Isoko stakeholders present.
Tantita Security Services is owned and chaired by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), with Chief Kestin Pondi serving as Managing Director.
