Petition Urges President to Renew Pipeline Surveillance Contract with Tantita

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

A petition has been submitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu urging the Federal Government to renew and strengthen the pipeline surveillance contract currently handled by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, a firm led by former Niger Delta militant leader Government Ekpemupolo.

The petition, written by Engr. Yeigagha Henry JP from Ayakoromo Town in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, called on the President to resist what it described as “sponsored campaigns and propaganda” aimed at undermining the surveillance arrangement in the Niger Delta.

Addressed to the President in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the petition emphasised that the debate surrounding the contract should not revolve around claims that it represents a “birthright” for Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

According to the petitioner, the issue should instead be assessed on the basis of capacity, performance and tangible results achieved since the contract was awarded.

Performance and Impact

The petition argued that prior to the engagement of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Nigeria’s crude oil production had dropped significantly due to widespread oil theft, illegal bunkering and persistent vandalisation of pipelines across the Niger Delta.

It stated that several surveillance arrangements implemented by previous administrations had failed to adequately protect oil infrastructure, allowing criminal networks to operate freely.

However, the document claimed that the situation changed following the involvement of Government Ekpemupolo and his security architecture.

According to the petition, thousands of illegal connections along oil pipelines have since been discovered and dismantled, while organised oil theft networks have been disrupted. The petitioner also noted that Nigeria’s crude oil output began to recover as a result of improved monitoring and enforcement.

“These are verifiable results,” the petition stated, adding that the current relative stability and improved security around pipelines in the Niger Delta are largely attributed to the surveillance framework established by the company.

Security Structure in the Niger Delta

The document further highlighted the complex security environment of the Niger Delta, describing the region as a difficult terrain made up of creeks, rivers and coastal communities that have historically posed challenges to conventional security operations.

It argued that Ekpemupolo’s familiarity with the terrain and local communities has enabled the creation of an effective surveillance network involving trained personnel and community participation.

According to the petitioner, the system has significantly reduced incidents of pipeline vandalism and made it increasingly difficult for oil thieves to operate in the creeks.

“The creeks are no longer an open market for oil thieves,” the document stated, stressing that the gains recorded should be protected rather than disrupted.

Development Initiatives

The petition also claimed that the activities of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited have contributed to development across the Niger Delta beyond riverine communities.

It cited the construction of police stations, hospitals, hostels and classroom blocks in several upland communities, including areas that previously held hostile views towards Ekpemupolo.

The petitioner argued that these interventions demonstrate a commitment to regional stability rather than ethnic or sectional interests.

Warning Against Fragmentation of the Contract

The petition warned that growing agitation for the contract to be cancelled or shared among multiple groups could undermine the security structure currently in place.

It described such demands as politically motivated and driven by economic interests rather than national security considerations.

According to the document, fragmenting the pipeline surveillance contract could weaken coordination, allow oil theft networks to regroup and potentially lead to renewed vandalism, environmental damage and revenue losses for the country.

“Pipeline surveillance is not a political settlement to be shared for patronage,” the petitioner stated, adding that the task requires discipline, operational efficiency and a unified command structure.

Appeal to the President

The petition therefore urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to disregard pressures from critics and political actors seeking to alter the current arrangement.

Specifically, the petitioner called for the immediate renewal of the surveillance contract with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited without disruption.

It also appealed for the Federal Government to expand the operational scope of the surveillance framework and increase funding for improved technology, logistics and manpower deployment in protecting Nigeria’s oil infrastructure.

Conclusion

The petition concluded that safeguarding oil pipelines in the Niger Delta is a matter of national economic survival rather than a regional issue.

It maintained that the progress recorded since the engagement of Government Ekpemupolo demonstrates how local knowledge combined with federal support can effectively protect national assets.

The petitioner urged the President to sustain the existing framework to preserve the relative peace and economic recovery currently being experienced in the region.