Forensic experts and key stakeholders have backed the role of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited in strengthening pipeline security, crediting the outfit’s collaboration with the Federal Government for curbing oil theft, boosting crude oil production, and increasing national revenue.

The endorsement came at the end of a two-day National Dialogue on Pipeline Security held in Abuja, where participants linked recent improvements in oil output to enhanced and coordinated surveillance operations.

The dialogue, convened by the Forum of Forensic Civil Society Groups in Nigeria in collaboration with the Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency, brought together civil society organisations, security experts, policy analysts, community leaders, and government representatives.

Participants noted that Nigeria’s oil pipelines remain the backbone of the economy, stressing that improved security directly enhances revenue generation and strengthens the government’s capacity to meet public obligations.

They attributed the recent rise in crude oil production and the decline in pipeline vandalism to structured surveillance frameworks, warning against any disruptive changes that could undermine the gains.

In a communiqué issued by Dr. Opialu Fabian, the forum cautioned against calls to fragment pipeline surveillance arrangements under the guise of inclusion, warning that such moves could weaken operational efficiency, reduce accountability, and create openings for criminal networks.

“Pipeline protection is not a routine contractual engagement but a sensitive national security function requiring discipline, trust, intelligence coordination, and a clear chain of command,” the communiqué stated.

Stakeholders also warned that introducing unvetted actors into surveillance operations could compromise intelligence systems and embolden oil theft syndicates responsible for billions in losses.

While acknowledging the need for host community involvement, participants stressed that inclusivity must be pursued through structured engagement and capacity-building without sacrificing operational efficiency.

They further noted that breaches in pipeline security have far-reaching consequences, including reduced public spending, economic instability, and stalled development, urging that the protection of national assets must rise above sectional interests.

The forum also cautioned against politicising pipeline security debates, noting that inflammatory narratives could heighten tensions in the Niger Delta and distract from core security objectives.

In its resolutions, the forum called for the consolidation of current gains through sustained support for coordinated surveillance frameworks that have proven effective.

Participants urged that any proposed reforms be evidence-based, guided by national interest, and subjected to rigorous security evaluation rather than pressure from competing interest groups.

They also called for strengthened oversight, transparency, and accountability within existing frameworks to ensure optimal performance and sustain public trust.

Stakeholders encouraged aggrieved groups to adopt constructive engagement channels to avoid disrupting operations, while emphasising the need for continuous civic education to promote collective responsibility in safeguarding national assets.

The dialogue concluded with a call for deeper collaboration between government, communities, and credible security actors to enhance intelligence sharing without compromising operational integrity.

Participants reaffirmed that safeguarding Nigeria’s oil infrastructure requires precision, coordination, and a shared national commitment, stressing that critical security responsibilities must remain structured and strategically managed.