In a bid to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against crude oil theft, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has donated 15 state-of-the-art semi-ballistic gunboats to the Nigerian Navy and Army.
The vessels, built by the Nigerian Navy Shipyard Limited in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, were formally commissioned and handed over on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at a colourful ceremony that underscored growing private sector support for national security.
The gunboats, constructed with glass-reinforced materials to world-class standards, each have a crew capacity of seven and are designed for effective patrol and rapid response operations against illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism, and other maritime crimes in the Niger Delta.
Representing the Chief of Defence Staff, General O. O. Oluyede, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General E. E. Emekah, led senior military officers and other stakeholders, including General Efe Edafioghor (rtd), Ms. Daisy Jaja, Engr. Trevor Chuks, Illide, and other dignitaries to the event.
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In his welcome remarks, the Superintendent of the Naval Shipyard, Rear Admiral I. Ubani, commended Tantita for the partnership.
“This project reflects our drive to deepen local content and advance indigenous shipbuilding,” Rear Admiral Ubani said.
Handing over the vessels on behalf of Tantita’s Managing Director, High Chief Engr. Kestin Pondi, General Edafioghor (rtd), described the donation as a major step in protecting Nigeria’s critical oil and gas assets.
“Today marks another step forward in safeguarding Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure. These boats are built to world-class standards and will prove highly effective for patrol and security operations,” he stated.
The 15 gunboats were distributed, with eight going to the Nigerian Navy and seven to the Nigerian Army to enhance joint operational capabilities in the region.
Receiving the vessels, Major General Emekah expressed gratitude to Tantita and assured that the assets would be put to immediate and effective use.
“This donation represents a shared vision for a safer maritime environment and a commendable example of corporate social responsibility which others should emulate,” he said.
The ceremony ended with an inspection of the new vessels by top military officials and Tantita representatives.
The initiative is part of the increasing synergy between private security firms, the military, and local shipbuilding expertise in the collective effort to secure Nigeria’s territorial waters and economic assets.
