The Isoko Patriots, a coalition of President Generals, key stakeholders, and oil pipeline surveillance coordinators in Delta State, have passed a resounding vote of confidence in Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), while condemning in strong terms the recent calls for cancellation of the company’s surveillance contract.
At a crucial meeting held at Opute Hall, Ozoro in Isoko North Local Government Area, the group expressed deep concern over what they described as a coordinated smear campaign by criminal elements masquerading as ethnic agitators — a desperate move to discredit Tantita’s undeniable success in securing oil pipelines across the Niger Delta.
Chief Adonis Ubuwere, Chairman of the Isoko PGs Forum and President General of Irri Kingdom, who read the official position of the coalition, warned that any attempt to truncate Tantita’s operations would amount to a direct threat to national economic stability and regional peace.
According to him, since Tantita — chaired by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo and managed by Chief Kestin Pondi — took over pipeline surveillance operations in 2022, illegal bunkering and oil theft in Isoko land have drastically reduced, while employment opportunities for local youths have significantly increased.
“The Isoko Patriots, a coalition of young professionals committed to peace and prosperity, alert the Nigerian public and security agencies to a calculated campaign, allegedly sponsored by crude oil theft syndicates, to undermine Tantita’s mandate,” the statement declared.
The group disclosed that credible intelligence points to a broader conspiracy aimed at sabotaging Nigeria’s oil surveillance framework, just to revive the illegal bunkering economy that Tantita has successfully disrupted.
They further criticized the hypocrisy of certain agitators who were silent during contracts awarded to non-indigenous firms like Eraskorp and Ocean Marine, even when Nigeria’s crude oil production dropped to 700,000 barrels per day, with massive environmental damage and militarization of host communities.
“These agitators said nothing while our environment was devastated, our communities militarized, and the nation bled economically,” the group stated.
Describing Tantita’s role as a strategic and timely intervention, the Isoko Patriots emphasized that the contract is in alignment with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), and promotes local content, inclusion, and accountability. They applauded Tantita’s engagement of Isoko-owned subcontractors within OML 26 and OML 60, and its broad-based community involvement.
They denounced recent protests against the company’s contract as misguided and sponsored, stating that many of the protesters are non-residents or disconnected from the realities on ground.
“Tantita is one of the largest employers of labour in Isoko land. It is disingenuous to call for the cancellation of its contract based on ethnicity. Isoko sons are executing contracts in Ijaw areas — should they now be excluded too?” the statement asked.
The group described the attacks on Tantita as “corruption fighting back”, urging the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) not to be deceived by propaganda sponsored by oil theft syndicates.
“The gains since Tantita’s engagement are undeniable. Even oil thieves know this. This is not patriotism; this is a desperate pushback by criminal cartels,” they said.
They also called on the Federal Government to expand Tantita’s operational mandate, and to establish special courts to prosecute oil thieves and their sponsors swiftly.
“A winning team deserves applause, not replacement,” the group declared.
The motion of confidence 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 stakeholders present – affirming the entire Isoko nation’s support for Tantita.
