By Our Correspondent
The Niger Delta Ex-agitators Forum has condemned recent calls by some groups and individuals demanding the review or outright cancellation of the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
The contract, which covers the protection of critical oil and gas infrastructure across the Niger Delta region, is executed by the firm owned by former militant leader Government Ekpemupolo.
Some groups, including the Niger Delta Safety Watch and the Isoko Renaissance Movement, had earlier urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to review the surveillance contract, claiming the need for reassessment of the arrangement.
Their calls have, however, generated mixed reactions among stakeholders in the Niger Delta, with several community leaders and organizations expressing support for the continued engagement of the security outfit.
Reacting to the development, the Convener of the Niger Delta Ex-agitators Forum, self-styled General Emma Satu, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to disregard the calls, describing them as unnecessary and misleading.
Satu, who spoke with journalists in Warri, Delta State, on Thursday, March 5, 2026, maintained that Tantita Security Services has recorded remarkable success in tackling pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft in the region.
According to him, the pipeline surveillance contract remains vital to Nigeria’s economic stability, stressing that the activities of the company have significantly contributed to increased oil production.
He noted that since the federal government awarded the contract to the firm, Nigeria has witnessed a steady rise in crude oil output and improved revenue generation.
“Tantita has done very well since the federal government awarded the contract to protect our pipelines. Since then, we have seen a steady rise in oil production output and revenue accrued to the country,” he said.
Satu added that the achievements of the company stand out among similar security arrangements, questioning the rationale behind the calls for the review or cancellation of the contract.
He therefore appealed to President Tinubu to sustain the contract as part of efforts to boost Nigeria’s revenue amid prevailing economic challenges following the removal of fuel subsidy.
The forum’s convener further stated that the surveillance contract has created employment opportunities for thousands of youths across the Niger Delta, thereby helping to reduce crime and insecurity in the region.
According to him, the initiative has also contributed to community development by creating economic opportunities for young people who were previously vulnerable to involvement in illegal activities.
Satu alleged that those pushing for the revocation of the contract were largely oil thieves and disgruntled elements who feel threatened by the success recorded by the surveillance outfit.
He therefore called on Niger Deltans to support the Federal Government in sustaining the existing peace in the region, insisting that the era of rampant oil theft and pipeline vandalism was gradually coming to an end due to the activities of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
