UPU Capitulates on Tantita’s Surveillance Contract, Withdraws Letter to NSA

The Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), the apex socio-cultural body of the Urhobo Nation, has withdrawn its earlier letter to the National Security Adviser to prevail on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to terminate surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited in Urhobo territory.

It was gathered that the withdrawal follows intense backlash from Urhobo Communities’ President Generals and youths who had openly criticized the UPU for its stance against the company’s handling of the oil pipeline surveillance contract.

At a press conference held at Ughelli over 2000 Tantita employees, which included the Coordinators and President Generals, had unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the management of Tantita, noting that the services of Tantita, has engaged more Urhobo youths, and communities than ever experienced.

They held that over 3,500 Urhobo youths are currently being employed by Tantita from 88 communities in 16 Kingdoms of Urhobo land.

Speaking on behalf of President Generals of Urhobo communities, the President General of Evwreni Community, Chief Ukpebitere, said, “As of today, Tantita employes over 3,500 Urhobo indigene covering 88 Urhobo Communities in 16 Urhobo Kingdoms, making Tantita the highest employer of labour in Urhobo land.

“Anyone familiar with Tantita’s operations knows that all oil-bearing communities participate directly in securing facilities within their territories.

“In Ijaw land, they provide the bulk of patrol teams; the same is true of the Itsekiri, Isoko, Kwale and most certainly Urhobo-communities.

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“Almost 4,000 Urhobo indigene earn a monthly wage as Tantita operatives and coordinators. These communities amongst many others are protecting the nation’s national assets in collaboration with Tantita.

“Every single kilometre of pipeline traversing Urhobo land is protected by Urhobo indigenes 100%. Every community in Urhobo land has been given slots as operatives and coordinators and are responsible for the safekeeping of the pipelines in their domain.

“For over two years now, Tantita’s Urhobo coordinators and operatives have worked hard to reduce vandalism, oil theft, illegal refining, and environmental degradation to the barest minimum. No one, not a single community, has complained about their performance.

“Tantita with her state of the art technological capacity and extraordinary managerial skills has managed to make the work look effortless therefore every ignorant person thinks I can do it just as well”.

In a twist, the UPU in a statement issued on Monday, July 7, 2025, and signed by UPU President General, Ese Gam, alongside three other executive members.said that the earlier letter to the NSA has been withdrew.

The letter, titled “Withdrawal of Earlier Letter and Resolution of Issues Related to Tantita Security Operations in Urhobo Land,” was addressed to the National Security Adviser and published in Vanguard newspaper of July 8, 2025.

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In the statement, the UPU acknowledged that its previous concerns were based on information that has now changed. I

It reads in part: “The information available to us at the time of writing the initial letter has since changed. Based on updated insights and a broader understanding of the situation, we have engaged in constructive dialogue with Tantita Security Services in an effort to amicably resolve the issues previously raised.

“In light of this development, we hereby formally withdraw our earlier letter dated 2nd June, which was acknowledged on 24th June by Mr. Isah Haruna.

“We appreciate your attention to this matter and thank you for your continued support and commitment to peace and security in our region.”