A security expert, Demeide Master Tony, has said Nigeria’s economic recovery, energy security and political stability are closely tied to the continued operation of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), the private firm contracted to protect the country’s oil pipelines.
Speaking on the impact of the surveillance contract, Demeide stated that the company has, in the last four years, significantly reduced oil theft, boosted production and improved security in the Niger Delta.
According to him, oil theft has dropped by nearly 80 per cent since Tantita began operations, while crude oil production has risen steadily to about 1.8 million barrels per day as of July 2025.
He cited data from the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), noting that:
In 2023, oil theft dropped by 79%, with production rising to about 1.4–1.5 million barrels per day.
In 2024, production increased further to 1.6 million barrels per day.
By mid-2025, output reached 1.8 million barrels per day, saving Nigeria an estimated $18 billion annually.
Demeide added that the company’s activities have also led to a 50 per cent reduction in oil spills and helped eliminate environmental issues such as the “black soot” previously reported in Port Harcourt.
The expert said Tantita’s operations have created over 10,000 jobs for youths in the Niger Delta, helping to reduce crime and unrest in the region.
He explained that engaging local communities as part of pipeline surveillance has improved intelligence gathering and discouraged vandalism.
“Crime thrives where there are no strong guardians,” he said. “Tantita introduced community-based intelligence, making pipelines difficult targets for criminals.”
He also noted that employment opportunities provided by the company have reduced the likelihood of youths being recruited into illegal activities such as oil bunkering or political violence.
Demeide described Tantita’s approach as a hybrid security model, combining technology and local participation.
Key elements include:
Technology-driven surveillance, including drones and geospatial tracking
Grassroots intelligence, with thousands of trained local operatives
Inter-agency collaboration with security bodies such as the Police, Navy, DSS, NSCDC and Joint Task Force
Training and rapid response systems for effective enforcement
He said the Nigerian Army Resource Centre has described the model as a “panacea for national development.”
Beyond security, Demeide highlighted the company’s corporate social responsibility programmes, which include:
Medical outreach in rural communities
Mangrove restoration and environmental cleanup
Scholarships and educational support
Construction of solar-powered classrooms and roads
Youth training in welding, ICT and marine services
He said these initiatives have helped stabilise communities and promote peace across the Niger Delta.
The security expert warned that ending the Tantita contract could have serious consequences for Nigeria.
He said it could create a security vacuum, as thousands of trained operatives may become unemployed and return to illegal activities.
Other potential risks include:
A drop in oil production to below 1 million barrels per day
Increased oil theft and pipeline vandalism
Renewed environmental damage
Rising ethnic tensions in the Niger Delta
Reduced investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil sector
Possible use of unemployed youths in political violence ahead of the 2027 elections
Demeide called for the retention and expansion of Tantita’s role, suggesting it should be transformed into a permanent structure.
He proposed the creation of a Niger Delta Pipeline Security Commission (NDPSC) to institutionalise the model and ensure long-term protection of oil infrastructure.
“Tantita has proven that local guardianship works,” he said. “Ending the contract would reverse the progress made and threaten Nigeria’s economic stability.”
The expert concluded that maintaining Tantita’s operations is not just a security decision but a strategic necessity for Nigeria’s future.
“For Nigeria’s economy to thrive, the system protecting its oil assets must remain strong and consistent,” he said.
