Tantita Security Services Honours Fallen Heroes, Celebrates Success in Curbing Oil Theft in Niger Delta

WARRI/Nigeria: The Executive Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), High Chief Kestin Pondi, has lauded the company’s achievements in reducing crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region, attributing its successes to the sacrifice of fallen heroes, robust stakeholder collaboration, and unwavering government support.

Speaking at the company’s end-of-year celebration in Warri, Delta State, Pondi acknowledged the supreme sacrifices of Tantita workers who lost their lives in the line of duty, describing them as heroes who paid the ultimate price to safeguard the region’s oil resources. He observed a minute of silence in their honour, emphasizing that their efforts have not been in vain, as evidenced by significant increases in crude oil production and numerous arrests and seizures.

“These heroes laid down their lives for the Niger Delta and for Nigeria. Their sacrifices have resulted in substantial progress, and the achievements we are witnessing today reflect their dedication. They will always be remembered for their service to the nation,” Pondi said.

Pondi also extended gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS) for their steadfast support. He noted that the collaboration between Tantita, security agencies, and host communities has been instrumental in combating the criminal activities associated with oil theft.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Tantita would not be where it is today without the unparalleled support of President Tinubu, the NSA, all arms of our security agencies, and the host communities of the Niger Delta. Their contributions have been pivotal in our fight against crude oil theft, and we remain eternally grateful,” Pondi stated.

Reflecting on the achievements of the past two years, Pondi highlighted the major arrests, seizures, and a steady increase in crude oil production, underscoring the critical role of the company in supporting national economic recovery efforts.

“We have significantly reduced the theft of crude oil, made major arrests, and seized stolen petroleum products. The results speak for themselves. Our efforts, alongside those of our partners, are driving a resurgence in crude oil production, proving that the sacrifices made were not in vain,” he added.

The event also provided an opportunity for Pondi to commend the host communities across the Niger Delta for their cooperation and vigilance, which he described as vital to Tantita’s mandate. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to eliminate crude oil theft and strengthen Nigeria’s energy security.

As Tantita Security Services looks to the future, Pondi emphasized the need for sustained collaboration and vigilance in protecting Nigeria’s critical oil infrastructure, ensuring that the sacrifices of those who paved the way are not forgotten.

Here Is The Full Welcome Address High Chief

(Engr.) Kestin Ebimorbowei Pondi, FNII, FNSE, the Managing Director Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited

1. Good evening, esteemed guests, colleagues, and friends,
2. It is a great honour to welcome you to Tantita’s Award Night: Honouring Excellence This Christmas. Tonight, we gather not just to celebrate achievements but to reflect on the incredible journey we have undertaken together in our fight against oil theft and crude oil vandalism.
3. This battle is not just about protecting the nation’s oil and gas infrastructures, it is a mission to secure the economic future of Nigeria. At Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, we have embraced this responsibility with unwavering resolve, and I am proud to say we are making significant strides in this fight.
4. Before the advent of the Industry wide Security architecture called Operation Plug as established by the Board of NNPC E&P, under the distinguish leadership of Mele Kolo Kiari in 2022, crude oil losses measured 36.69 million barrels, with daily production output of about 800,000–900,000 bpd. It was a dark time for the industry and the country at large.
5. In less than two years, of the engagement of Tantita, the results were astounding as the report from NEITI (Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative) and NUPRC (Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission) for the year 2023 (January to December 2023) shows very significant reduction of oil losses from 36.69 million barrels in 2022 to 7.68 million barrels, reflecting a whopping 79% decrease compared to the previous year.
6. In the Span Tantita’s operations within these years (August 2022 – Nov 2024) the contribution of Tantita’s workforce who have shown unparalleled commitment in the fight against Crude oil theft discovered a total of 3,963 incidents captured on IMRA. Out of these numbers, 702 were illegal connection points, 971 were cases of theft, 1,784 were illegal refinery cases involving the destruction of 3,063 (as some of the IR were in a Cluster, having more than one Train), and 204 cases of Aversion/Deterrent.
7. It is also worth noting that within this same period of intense work, Tantita Team apprehended 8 vessels, (3) Tugboats and 6 Barges, 117 Vehicles, 52 Tanker Trucks, 47 Fibre/Speed boats, 7 tricycle/motocycles and 1,743 wooden boats involved in illegal operations.
8. While it will be exhausting to highlight every details of our journey to curtail the scourge of oil theft, a whole lot of other discoveries have been made by our team that has subsumed the scourge of oil theft as either a crime of need or that of greed.
9. Our success is rooted in collaboration and the support we have received from the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Led administration whose commitment and partnership have strengthened our resolve and amplified our impact. Our immense gratitude goes to the unwavering support of the Government Security Agencies especially the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Policr Force, the Nigerian Civil defense, the Department of State Security Service and the Nigerian Navy. Your dedication to eradicate oil theft and vandalism has emboldened us to achieve milestones that were once thought unattainable.
10. While we recount our success story, we will not forget those who paid the ultimate price. The ones in whose blood the flag of our success rest on. The military especially personnel of the Nigerian Army, civil defense, key informants and of course personnel of TSSNL that died in the course of ensuring that our nation have a booming economy, we mourn and celebrate your sacrifices in same breathe.
11. Equally, I want to recognise the incredible efforts of our team—a resilient and dedicated group of individuals whose collective contributions drive our success. Whether in the field, planning operations, providing support, or ensuring seamless execution, every member of the Tantita family plays an indispensable role in achieving our mission. Your courage, diligence, and determination inspire us all, and tonight, we celebrate you.
12. As we honour excellence through these awards, let it serve as a reminder of what we can achieve when we work together with unity of purpose. They are not just symbols of individual accomplishment but also a testament to the power of teamwork and shared vision.
13. *While we celebrate tonight, let us also look forward with renewed determination. The journey ahead will require even greater effort, but together, with the support of the government and the strength of our united team, there is no challenge we cannot overcome.*
14. Thank you for joining us on this special occasion. Let us enjoy the evening, celebrate our victories, and embrace the possibilities of a better future.