Tompolo’s Tantita Acquires High-tech Drones from American Firm to Protect Nigerian oil Facilities

Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, a private security outfit engaged by Nigerian Government, has acquired advanced surveillance drones from an American defence technology company, Textron Systems to protect critical oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta.

BIGPEN NIGERIA (https://bigpengnr.com} reports Tantita, a company owned by Niger Delta security contractor and former leader of the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, signed the contract with Textron Systems to supply three Aerosonde Mk 4.7 Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) unmanned Aerial System (UAS) drones.

The Aerosonde Mk 4.7 is a long-endurance tactical drone designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations.

With its VTOL capability, the drone can take off and land in confined areas without the need for a runway, making it suitable for monitoring difficult terrains such as creeks, swamps and offshore environments common in the Niger Delta.

“The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS is a mature, highly reliable, and industry-proven autonomous solution that will provide Tantita Security Services with transformational capability to execute their security operations,” said David Phillips, Senior Vice President, Air, Land and Sea Systems in a press released posted on the company’s website.

“The Aerosonde system’s demonstrated performance and benchmark-setting reliability will enable the Tantita team to expand its capabilities to protect the oil and gas infrastructure essential to Nigerian security and prosperity.”, the statement read.

Industry experts say the deployment of the drones is expected to significantly enhance Tantita’s surveillance capacity, particularly in tracking pipeline vandalism, oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage that have plagued Nigeria’s oil-producing regions for years.

The drones are capable of operating for extended hours, transmitting real-time imagery and data to ground control stations.

The development has sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians. While some commentators have welcomed the move as a positive step towards strengthening the security of national oil assets, others have raised concerns about the growing sophistication of equipment in the hands of private security contractors.

Reacting online, some users described the deal as a “welcome development” that would boost the protection of oil pipelines and reduce crude oil theft. However, critics cautioned that the Federal Government must ensure proper regulation and oversight of private security firms equipped with advanced military-grade technology, warning of potential risks if such assets are misused.

Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has been a major player in Nigeria’s oil pipeline surveillance programme since its engagement by the Federal Government, recording reported improvements in crude oil production levels following intensified monitoring of critical infrastructure.