Tantita Boosts Niger Delta Security, Hands Over 15 Semi-Ballistic Gunboats to Army, Navy

In a bold move to deepen the fight against oil theft, pipeline vandalism and maritime crime in the Niger Delta, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has handed over 15 newly constructed semi-ballistic gunboats to the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Navy.

The gunboats, 9.2 metres Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) combat vessels built for rapid response and patrol operations were formally presented during a handover ceremony held at the Naval Shipyard Limited, Port Harcourt, on Thursday, May 14, 2026.

Speaking at the event, Brigadier General Efe Edafioghor (rtd), General Manager, Security/Military Liaison of Tantita Security Services, said the handover represents another major milestone in the company’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s critical oil and gas infrastructure, particularly within the volatile waterways of the Niger Delta.

Edafioghor stressed that Tantita’s intervention is driven by a clear presidential mandate and strengthened by the company’s sense of corporate responsibility, which continues to support national security through strategic collaboration, equipment support and intelligence-driven operations.

According to him, Tantita engaged the Naval Shipyard Limited, Port Harcourt,  for the construction of the vessels in line with its mission to enhance operational capacity in the fight against economic sabotage.

He disclosed that the 15 GRP gunboats were completed to world-class standards, equipped with semi-ballistic capabilities, and designed to carry seven personnel each, making them highly suitable for patrol, surveillance and rapid deployment across the difficult terrain of the Niger Delta waterways.

The acceptance speech delivered on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff described the donation as a patriotic contribution towards strengthening pipeline and maritime security, while also complementing ongoing efforts by the Armed Forces to curb criminal activities threatening national economic stability.

Out of the 15 gunboats handed over, seven were allocated to the Nigerian Army, while eight were presented to the Nigerian Navy.

Defence Headquarters further described Tantita’s gesture as a powerful example of corporate support for national security, urging other private sector organisations to emulate the company’s commitment.

The project was also said to align with the Federal Government’s Executive Order 3 of 2017 and Executive Order 5 of 2018, which promote local content development and the strengthening of indigenous capacity.

Commending Naval Shipyard Limited, Defence authorities praised the firm’s professionalism and craftsmanship, noting that the successful delivery of the vessels reflects Nigeria’s growing technical strength and increasing self-reliance in defence and maritime infrastructure.

It was recalled that the Naval Shipyard had earlier built and delivered four semi-ballistic gunboats commissioned in 2021, with the latest 15 vessels further affirming confidence in Nigeria’s indigenous shipbuilding industry.

The ceremony attracted top military and security stakeholders, including the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General EE Emekah, senior officers of the Armed Forces, officials of Naval Shipyard Limited, and members of the press.

The Armed Forces expressed appreciation to Tantita Security Services for its consistent partnership and dedication in protecting Nigeria’s resources, describing the intervention as timely and strategic.

The event concluded with the formal handover of the gunboats to the Armed Forces of Nigeria, represented by Major General EE Emekah on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff.

The new assets are expected to significantly enhance security response time, strengthen operational efficiency and boost the overall security architecture of the Niger Delta region.