Ex-agitators Write Tinubu, Fault Apostles of Decentralisation of Tantita’s Surveillance Contract

By Monday Peters, Abuja

•President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
•Mallam Nuhu Ribadu
National Security Adviser
•The Department of State Services (DSS)
•The Inspector General of Police
•The Group Managing Director, NNPCL
And the General Public

OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT TINUBU

This is a strong and urgent warning to the Federal Government and all relevant security stakeholders regarding the dangerous and ill-advised calls for the decentralization of the pipeline surveillance contract.

Let it be clearly stated: those pushing for the decentralization of this contract are not acting in the interest of Nigeria. Many of these individuals are known beneficiaries of oil theft, illegal bunkering, and maritime criminality. Their sources of illicit wealth have been severely disrupted by the effective operations of Tantita Security Services, hence their desperate and coordinated campaign of calumny.

The facts are verifiable and undeniable. Tantita Security Services has delivered measurable and impactful results in the Niger Delta. Oil theft and illegal bunkering have been drastically reduced. Incidents of oil spillage, kidnapping, and piracy have declined significantly. Most importantly, Nigeria’s crude oil production has risen from about 800,000 barrels per day to nearly 2 million barrels per day, an achievement that has directly strengthened the nation’s economy.

THE CONSEQUENCES OF DECENTRALIZATION:

1. Collapse of Central Command Structure
Decentralization will dismantle the existing unified command and control system, creating operational gaps and exposing critical assets to renewed attacks and exploitation.

2. Increased Proliferation of Arms
It will open the floodgates for the influx of firearms and ammunition into the Niger Delta, empowering criminal networks and their sponsors.

3. Return of Insecurity and Violence
The region risks a full relapse into hostility, piracy, and kidnapping, undoing the hard-earned peace currently enjoyed.

Beyond infrastructure protection, Tantita Security Services has played a critical role in stabilizing the Niger Delta, fostering peace, and promoting cooperation among diverse ethnic groups.

In view of these undeniable realities, I strongly call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to firmly reject any proposal to decentralize the pipeline surveillance contract. Such a move would be a grave mistake with far-reaching consequences.

Rather than weaken a working system, the Federal Government should strengthen and expand the current structure to accommodate more stakeholders from the Niger Delta region.

Nigeria must not sacrifice progress on the altar of selfish interests.

United we stand, divided we fall.

Signed:
Gen. Ogidigba Godstime Ogidigba
National Chairman, Phase 3 Amnesty Program