NSCDC, Tantita Strengthen Alliance to Combat Oil Theft in Niger Delta
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reinforced its collaboration with Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL) to eradicate oil theft and safeguard critical national assets in the Niger Delta. This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
As part of his operational tour, NSCDC Commandant-General Dr. Abubakar Audi led a team of senior officers to meet with TSSL’s Managing Director, Chief Kestin Pondi, and the organization’s founder, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), in Warri and Oporoza, Delta State.
During the visit, Audi inspected the operational facilities of NSCDC personnel stationed in remote creeks, assessing their activities and motivating security operatives on the frontline. He emphasized the agency’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s oil assets and strengthening its partnership with Tantita.
Audi stated:
“We place high premium on the welfare of our staff, that is why every March 1st we recognize our personnel who died on active duty by assisting their families through payment of life insurance benefits and other empowerment schemes.”
In response, TSSL Managing Director Kestin Pondi lauded President Tinubu for creating an enabling environment to tackle oil theft and assured continued collaboration with security forces.
Pondi highlighted the significant increase in Nigeria’s oil production, attributing it to the joint efforts of Tantita, NSCDC, and other security agencies.
“It is worthy of note that as at the time we came on board, the nation was producing between 600,000 – 800,000 barrels per day in 2022, but as at today we have gone over 2 million barrels per day and this is largely due to our collaboration with you,” he said.
Despite progress, Pondi acknowledged the sacrifices made by security personnel in the fight against oil theft.
“Although this is not without incidents. We have had people killed, we have had your personnel shot. A very recent incident is the loss of your staff who left behind three kids and a wife. Our management is discussing what we can do for his family.”
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The visit was seen as a morale booster for security agents risking their lives to protect the nation’s oil resources.
Former Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) President Engr. Udengs Eradiri commended the NSCDC-Tantita partnership, describing it as a reflection of President Tinubu’s community-focused leadership style.
“The collaboration among NSCDC, Tantita, communities, and other security agencies is beginning to bring back a greener environment in the Niger Delta. We hope it gets better as the collaboration gets stronger.”
Eradiri also praised Tinubu’s commitment to engaging local stakeholders, crediting his administration’s approach for Tantita’s success in curbing oil theft.
