In the creeks of the Niger Delta, where oil theft has long thrived, private security outfit Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) is turning to technology to stay ahead of criminals. The company, owned by ex-militant leader Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), has announced the deployment of drones capable of flying up to 16 hours to monitor pipelines and critical oil infrastructure.
The disclosure came during a three-day capacity-building programme in Effurun, Delta State, which started on Monday, August 18, 2025, at the Jubilee Centre, where 100 personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) joined TSSNL staff for training on intelligence gathering, surveillance, and handling of suspects.
Tantita’s Executive Director of Operations, Capt. Warredi Enisuoh explained that the drones would ease the burden of patrolling difficult terrain, allowing personnel to focus on quick response rather than constant combing of the creeks. He stressed that while Tantita is not licensed to carry arms, partnerships with the Army, Navy, Air Force, DSS, and NSCDC provide the necessary backup to keep pipelines secure.
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Since taking on pipeline protection contracts in 2022, the company claims major oil facilities under its watch have remained “green,” with illegal refineries drastically reduced. “If not for the men and women in the creeks, we would not have achieved this,” Enisuoh said, urging trainees to treat the exercise seriously.
TSSNL’s Managing Director, High Chief Kestin Pondi, represented by retired Brig. Gen. Efe Dafioghor described the training as timely, noting that securing oil infrastructure directly boosts Nigeria’s economy. He tasked participants to adopt best practices in surveillance and cooperation with sister agencies, stressing that the greener the pipelines remain, the stronger the nation’s resources.
