Ijaw group warns against tribalising Nigeria’s oil security, commends Tantita’s efforts

A socio-cultural organisation, the Izon Heritage Cultural Centre (ICHC), has commended the work of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), under the leadership of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), over its commitment and resolve in curbing oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.

The Chairman, ICHC, Apostle Bodmas Prince Kemepadei, said in a statement on Tuesday that Tantita’s security operations had significantly improved Nigeria’s crude oil production, from a devastating low of 650,000 barrels per day to over 1.8 million barrels per day today.

However, Kemepadei said the organisation is deeply disturbed by recent tribal sentiments being stirred against Tantita’s operations, particularly by some Urhobo leaders and interests who are now allegedly campaigning for the company’s removal from territories where it is executing its mandate competently.

He asked: “Were Urhobos not working in Ijaw territories for decades? Did Ijaw people ever protest when Urhobo or Itsekiri contractors operated freely in core Ijaw oil-producing areas?

“Is it now, because Tompolo is succeeding, that everyone suddenly wants to do the same job, not out of patriotism, but out of envy? Let us be clear: Tantita’s operations across Itsekiri and Urhobo lands are administered by local indigenes. There is no marginalisation, no exclusion. What then is the motive behind these targeted protests?

“Should the Ijaws now begin to protest against the Olu of Warri’s company, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), currently operating surveillance contracts in Ijaw lands, including parts of Bayelsa? Would that not deepen disunity? Yet, the Ijaws have continued to offer cooperation and support.

“We remind our Urhobo brothers: Where were your protests when Capt. Hosa Okunbo from Edo State held these same contracts over Urhobo areas for over eight years? During that time, pipeline vandalism was rampant, crude oil theft devastated the nation, and environmental degradation worsened. Still, there was silence. No community protests. No calls for tribal exclusion.

“Even now, Urhobo and Isoko contractors are executing major jobs in Ijaw territories. The Ijaw people never undermined or frustrated their operations. Instead, they cooperated for the peace and benefit of the nation.

“But now, one contract is handled by an Ijaw man, and suddenly it is unacceptable?”

Kemepadei said Tompolo is not living in luxury — he is on the field daily, wearing boots, supervising sites, committed to securing national assets.

Companies like SJ Jones, SAMOT, Eruben Ltd, and Temile & Sons executed contracts across the Niger Delta for decades. No Ijaw group ever called for their eviction. But today, Urhobo and Itsekiri leaders are sponsoring protests against Tantita in their lands—out of envy, not patriotism.

“This is a dangerous path. If the logic becomes ‘only locals should secure their oil assets,’ then we must prepare for the complete fragmentation of national security efforts, which will lead to chaos, not just in Delta State, but across the country.

“We therefore appeal to our Urhobo and Itsekiri brothers to stop this campaign against Tantita. Let us not destroy the fragile unity we have painstakingly built over decades. Tribalising oil security will not only undermine current gains, but it could also push us all into a retaliatory spiral.

Today, it’s the Ijaw man. Tomorrow, it may be an Urhobo or Itsekiri man. Will you accept if Ijaws say such a person cannot operate in their areas? Let us rise above ethnic politics. Let us put Nigeria first.”

On Tantita’s emergence as a security surveillance contractor, the ICHC boss said TSSNL operations had led to the reduction of crime, rehabilitation of the waterways, as people are now going back to their traditional vocation.

He asserted that over 40,000 persons are benefiting from the company’s operations compared to when the contract was handled by some persons from Itsekiri and their associates.

Kemepadei said that without any iota of doubt, the TSSNL operations had led to the increase in federal revenue, discovery of many breached trunklines, increased production and security and stability in Niger Delta region.