𝗧𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗮 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗢𝗻𝗱𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗽. 𝗢𝗷𝗼𝗴𝗼, 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗮 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗣𝗶𝗽𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

𝗕𝗬 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗔 𝗩𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘,

2𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹, 2026.

Fresh political and security dynamics are unfolding in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta, as support continues to consolidate around Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), even as calls for the decentralisation of pipeline surveillance contracts face growing resistance from key stakeholders.

Investigations by NigerDelta Voice reveal that a widening coalition of political actors, traditional leaders, and regional influencers are aligning behind the current surveillance structure anchored by Tantita. Proponents argue that the existing framework has contributed significantly to improved oil output and a marked reduction in crude oil theft across the region.

At the centre of the latest development is Ondo State lawmaker, Donald Ojogo, who has openly cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against yielding to pressures advocating the fragmentation of the surveillance arrangement.

Ojogo, who represents Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, warned that decentralising the pipeline surveillance contract could reverse the relative gains recorded in curbing oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta. He stressed that the current model, largely driven by Tantita, has introduced a level of operational efficiency and local intelligence coordination that was previously lacking.

According to him, agitation for decentralisation appears politically motivated and risks destabilising a system that is beginning to yield measurable results. He maintained that the Federal Government must prioritise national economic stability over sectional interests.

Multiple local sources and social media monitoring further indicate that Ojogo’s position reflects a broader sentiment among Niger Delta stakeholders who view the Tantita-led surveillance architecture as a pragmatic solution rooted in indigenous capacity and deep familiarity with the terrain.

Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, widely linked to former militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, was contracted to secure critical oil infrastructure in the region. While the decision initially generated controversy, it has since gained traction among many community leaders following reported improvements in pipeline security and reduced incidents of illegal bunkering.

In a significant development, Niger Delta Kings from Delta State extraction, under  the umbrella Delta State Traditional Rulers Council has thrown its full weight behind Tantita’s operations, while also appealing to President Tinubu to renew and expand the company’s pipeline surveillance contract.

In a communiqué issued after its meeting held on March 30, 2026, and made available to journalists in Asaba on March 31, 2026, the Council, comprising monarchs from Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko, Itsekiri, and Anioma ethnic nationalities, extended heartfelt felicitations to President Tinubu on his 74th birthday, while commending his administration’s leadership.

The communiqué, signed by the Chairman of the Council and Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Felix Mujakperuo, read in part:

“First and foremost, the Leadership of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council uses this medium to congratulate our amiable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he marks his auspicious birthday anniversary celebration in grand style. We wish him long life and prosperity and pray for many more years for him in sound health, God’s divine wisdom and guidance, and support to continue to govern Nigeria, promote good governance with the fear of God. We are indeed happy with his government and sound economic policies.”

The Council further expressed appreciation for the Federal Government’s decision to engage Tantita for pipeline surveillance operations in the Niger Delta, stating:

“This Communique, as unanimously endorsed by the leadership of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, as the monarchs met at the Royal Palace of HRM Dr. Emmanuel E. Sideso, Ovie of Uvwie kingdom, expressed our appreciation for Tinubu’s decision to award Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd the pipeline surveillance contract in the Niger Delta region.”

Commending both the Federal Government and Tantita for their roles in improving security and economic outcomes, the monarchs stated:

“The Leadership of Delta State Traditional Rulers Council hereby uses this medium to commend President Tinubu for his bold and focused leadership towards positioning the country for improved economic growth and development, as well as true democratic dividends by its citizens. We also commend Tantita Security Services for their efforts in protecting oil and gas installations in the Niger-Delta Region and Nigeria in general. No doubt, the Company’s hard work had led to reductions in criminal activities such as illegal bunkering, kidnapping, and sea piracy.”

Highlighting measurable gains, the Council added:

“Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, TSSNL’s efforts have led to improved oil production, with output reaching 1.8 million barrels per day, and increased gas production, translating to increased foreign direct investment.”

The monarchs also pointed to environmental benefits arising from the reduction in pipeline vandalism:

“We hereby state as well that the activities of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, TSSNL’s operations in the Niger-Delta Region and Nigeria in general have led to a positive impact in reducing environmental challenges bedeviled in the Niger-Delta Region of the country, and general reduction in illegal bunkering and pipeline destruction has improved both aquatic and terrestrial habitats in the region.”

Rejecting calls for decentralisation, the Council maintained that the current system already accommodates multiple actors across the region:

“We emphatically condemned calls for the decentralization of the Tantita contract. No doubt, checks had revealed that the contract was already decentralized, with various contractors handling different sections of oil and gas surveillance across ethnic nationalities in the Niger-Delta Region.”

Passing a vote of confidence on Tantita, the Council urged the Federal Government to sustain and expand the initiative:

“The Leadership of Delta State Traditional Rulers Council hereby passed a vote of confidence on Tantita Security Services, a Company with a renewed commitment and enthusiasm towards protecting oil and gas installations. We therefore use this medium to send a special appeal to our amiable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to renew and expand the scope of Tantita’s contract to enhance increased oil and gas output and promote peace and stability in the region.”

The Council noted that the meeting, hosted by HRM Dr. Emmanuel E. Sideso, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, was attended by prominent traditional rulers from across Delta State, who unanimously endorsed the position.

The monarchs reiterated their support for the Tinubu administration and commended the positive impact of Tantita’s activities on both the Niger Delta and the broader Nigerian economy.

Observers say the endorsement by the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council is expected to further strengthen the Federal Government’s stance on the pipeline surveillance contract, even as debates continue over transparency, accountability, and the long-term structure of oil infrastructure protection in the Niger Delta.