The Isoko Patriots, a coalition comprising President Generals, key stakeholders, and pipeline surveillance coordinators across Delta State, have issued a firm vote of confidence in Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), strongly opposing recent calls for the termination of its pipeline protection contract.
Rising from a strategic meeting held at Opute Hall, Ozoro, in Isoko North Local Government Area, the group decried what it described as a calculated smear campaign by criminal elements disguising themselves as ethnic advocates.
According to the coalition, these campaigns are orchestrated efforts to discredit Tantita’s impressive track record in securing critical oil infrastructure across the Niger Delta.
Delivering the official position of the group, Chief Adonis Ubuwere, Chairman of the Isoko President Generals Forum and President General of Irri Kingdom, warned that any attempt to truncate Tantita’s operations would pose a serious threat to national economic stability and regional peace.
Chief Ubuwere noted that since Tantita, led by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Chairman) and Chief Kestin Pondi (Managing Director), assumed responsibility for oil pipeline surveillance in 2022, illegal bunkering and oil theft in the Isoko region have drastically reduced.
He also highlighted the company’s significant contribution to youth employment and local economic empowerment.
“The Isoko Patriots, a coalition of professionals and stakeholders committed to peace, security, and development, alert the Nigerian public and security agencies to an ongoing campaign, allegedly sponsored by oil theft syndicates, designed to undermine Tantita’s mandate,” the statement read.
The group disclosed that credible intelligence suggests a wider conspiracy to dismantle Nigeria’s current oil surveillance architecture in order to revive the illicit crude oil economy previously disrupted by Tantita’s operations.
They criticized the selective outrage of certain agitators who remained silent during the award of surveillance contracts to non-indigenous firms such as Eraskorp and Ocean Marine, a period when Nigeria’s daily crude production plummeted to approximately 700,000 barrels per day due to rampant oil theft.
“These same voices were silent while our environment was polluted, our communities militarized, and the economy drained,” the statement noted.
Describing Tantita’s contract as both timely and strategic, the Isoko Patriots emphasized that it is consistent with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), and represents a shift toward greater inclusion, local content, and accountability.
The group commended Tantita for awarding subcontracts to Isoko-owned firms within OML 26 and OML 60 and for its inclusive community engagement model.
The group strongly condemned recent protests against the company’s contract, stating that those behind them are largely disconnected from on-ground realities.
“Tantita is one of the largest employers of labour in Isoko land. It is not only misleading but malicious to demand the cancellation of its contract on ethnic grounds.
“Our sons are executing contracts in Ijaw communities, should they now be excluded too?” the group queried.
Reiterating their position, the coalition described the agitations as a case of “corruption fighting back,” and warned the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) against yielding to manipulation.
“The success of Tantita’s operations is indisputable. Even the oil thieves know this. These protests are not rooted in patriotism—they are a desperate reaction from criminal cartels seeking to reclaim lost ground,” they declared.
The group called on the Federal Government to not only retain but expand Tantita’s operational scope and advocated for the establishment of special courts to swiftly prosecute oil thieves and their sponsors.
“A winning team deserves recognition, not replacement,” the statement concluded.
The vote of confidence motion was moved by Engr. Atunu Alfred, President General of Otor-Owhe community, seconded by Comrade Morisster Idibra, and unanimously adopted by all coordinators, workers, and representatives of the Isoko nation.
