February 22, (THEWILL) – The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Tantita Security Services Limited have reaffirmed their commitment to combating oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
As part of his tour of NSCDC formations in the region, the Commandant-General of the Corps, Dr. Abubakar Audi, led a high-ranking delegation to Warri and Oporoza in Delta State, where they met with Tantita’s Managing Director, Chief Kestin Pondi, and the security outfit’s founder, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
The NSCDC team also inspected operational bases deep within the creeks, where corps personnel work alongside Tantita operatives to secure oil infrastructure.
Audi stated that his visit was aimed at gaining firsthand knowledge of security operations in the area and strengthening the partnership between the corps and Tantita.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to Pondi, the NSCDC boss emphasized the strategic importance of oil to Nigeria’s economy and reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to working with Tantita to protect national assets.
“The welfare of our personnel is of utmost importance to us. That is why, every March 1st, we recognize our fallen heroes, support their families through life insurance benefits, and implement empowerment initiatives,” Audi said.
He also disclosed that the NSCDC would continue to celebrate the bravery of its operatives and enhance collaborative efforts to tackle economic sabotage in the region.
Tantita’s Managing Director, Kestin Pondi, lauded President Tinubu for fostering an enabling environment that has strengthened the fight against oil theft.
He assured of continued collaboration with security forces, particularly the NSCDC, to sustain the ongoing crackdown on crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
According to Pondi, the support of the NSCDC and other security agencies has been crucial to the successes recorded in recent years.
“Before Tantita’s involvement, oil production had declined to between 600,000 and 800,000 barrels per day in 2022. Today, we have exceeded two million barrels per day, largely due to our partnership with security agencies,” he stated.
Expressing sadness over the loss of NSCDC operatives attached to Tantita, Pondi pledged support for the families of the fallen officers.
“We have had personnel killed in the line of duty, including an officer who left behind a wife and three children. Our management is reviewing ways to assist his family,” he said.
Pondi also described the NSCDC Commandant-General’s visit as a morale booster for officers and operatives who risk their lives protecting Nigeria’s oil infrastructure.
Former President of the Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide, Engr. Udengs Eradiri, commended the synergy between the NSCDC and Tantita, stating that their operational strategy aligns with President Tinubu’s leadership approach, which prioritises community engagement and stakeholder collaboration.
“The partnership between the NSCDC, Tantita, and local communities is restoring security and environmental stability in the Niger Delta. This is in line with President Tinubu’s leadership style, which has always focused on community-driven solutions,” Eradiri said.
He further credited the President for consolidating security efforts in the region, recalling Tinubu’s pre-election visit to Gbaramatu Kingdom and his commitment to reinforcing Tantita’s role in securing oil assets.
“President Tinubu’s support has ensured that Tantita thrives. He expanded the partnership and strengthened existing security frameworks, enabling Tompolo and the people of the Niger Delta to take ownership of the fight against oil theft,” he added.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
