Inside Details Of How Tantita Discovered 3,963 Incidents Of Oil Theft In Niger Delta In Two Years Of Tompolo’s Contract

…Apprehended 8 vessels
…3 tugboats, and 6 barges
…Seized 117 vehicles, 52 tanker trucks, and 47 fibre/speed boats

Details have emerged of the groundbreaking efforts in the fight against oil theft, being championed by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) in the Niger Delta region in the last two years of pipeline surveillance contract awarded by the Federal Government to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

BIGPEN NIGERIA (https://bigpenngr.com) reports that this is coming as Tantita Security, over the weekend announced a 79% reduction in oil losses in the Niger Delta region, a remarkable achievement which is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to securing Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure.

Managing Director of TSSNL, High Chief Kestin Pondi, who announced this in an address delivered at the company’s end of the year party, in Warri, Delta State, said that the Tantita’s efforts have resulted in a significant decrease in oil theft, from 36.69 million barrels in 2022 to 7.68 million barrels in 2023. 

He, however, said that the reduction is a direct result of TSSNL’s collaboration with government agencies, security forces, and local communities.

Pondi, however lamented that in the course of championing the fight, some personnel of the company whom he described as “fallen heroes” died in the fight against oil theft and paid glowing tribute to them.

The “fallen heroes” whom he said were workers of Tantita “paid the price for the Niger Delta region and the nation in general in order to have a great nation”, he said

He stressed that they never died in vain as they are highly valued.

He observed one minute silence in honour of those who lost their lives in the struggle, adding that the achievements recorded by the increase in crude oil production showed that they didn’t die in vain.

He, however acknowledged the sacrifices made by TSSNL personnel, security agencies, and local communities, stating that their bravery and dedication have been instrumental in achieving this milestone.

Pondi added, “their relentless support and encouragement enabled Tantita to excel in its mandate and made it clear that the rapid  increase in crude oil production showed that their death was not in vain  just as he said that they  would continue to be remembered for paying the supreme sacrifice in the national interest”.

He said that as TSSNL continues to work tirelessly to eradicate oil theft, it is important to sustain collaboration among stakeholders, expressing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and security agencies for their unwavering support.

Pondi said that the success of TSSNL would serve as a beacon of hope in the fight against oil theft, stating that collective efforts can yield significant results.
 
He commended all security agencies and host communities for their uncommon support since Tantita was hired by the Federal authorities to complement the war against criminality associated with petroleum products.

Pondi said; “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. 
 
“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 Kyari 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.
 
“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.
 
“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.

“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.

“While it will be exhausting to highlight every detail 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.

“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 Police 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. 

“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 rests 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 has a booming economy, we mourn and celebrate your sacrifices in the same breath. 

“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. 
 
“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. 
 
“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.”, the address further reads.