How Tantita Is Changing the Fight Against Oil Theft in Nigeria

For many years, Nigeria has lost billions of naira due to oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and environmental damage, especially in the Niger Delta. Despite efforts by government agencies and the military, the problem continued to grow.

But in 2022, under the leadership of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, the federal government handed a pipeline surveillance contract to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) a move that has changed the story.

Since then, Nigeria’s fight against oil theft has made major progress.

Tantita is owned by former militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo. Unlike others who previously got similar contracts but failed to deliver, Tantita has proven capable and committed. Here's how:

.Local Knowledge & Community Support, Tompolo and his team understand the Niger Delta creeks and riverways like no one else. This gives them an advantage over oil thieves who used to operate in hidden areas without being caught.

.Strong Presence in the Creeks, Tantita has set up operations in areas where government forces struggled to reach. They’ve uncovered and shut down many illegal refineries and oil tapping points.

.Better Oil Production, With fewer pipeline attacks, Nigeria’s crude oil output has improved, helping the country meet its OPEC targets and earn more from oil exports.

.Job Creation, Thousands of jobs have been created for young people in the Niger Delta. This has helped reduce crime and unrest in the region.

.Stronger Ties with Local Communities, Communities now feel like partners in protecting oil facilities, rather than outsiders or enemies. This shared responsibility has built peace and trust.

.Improved Intelligence, With the help of locals, Tantita is able to gather reliable information that helps stop oil theft before it happens.

Tantita isn’t just about security. The company has also carried out several community support projects, including:

Renovating army housing at Effurun Barracks

Helping to upgrade the Nigeria Police headquarters in Ugborikoko

Building the Isoko Youth House in Ozoro

Constructing a modern NUJ secretariat for journalists in Warri

Giving financial help to traders

Training youths in ICT (computer skills)
These projects have made Tantita a household name, not only in security but also in community development.

Some people have questioned why a private company, especially one linked to an ex-militant, should be trusted with securing national oil infrastructure. There are also concerns about accountability and the need for proper supervision.

However, many believe that the company has done far better than previous efforts by government forces. When a group called the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) recently criticized Tantita, thousands of Urhobo youths came out to defend the company, praising it for creating jobs and reducing crime.

Tantita’s success lies in its unique approach: combining local experience, community involvement, and modern security methods. This has proven more effective than past efforts based only on military force.

Still, to keep these gains going, the government must ensure continued transparency, fair involvement of all groups, and clear policies to guide this new way of working.

The lesson here is simple: Solving Nigeria’s oil theft problem may not come from force alone, but from working with the people who know the land and have the trust of the communities.

Source: Felix Ekwu