The umbrella body of Ijaw youths worldwide, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), has called on the Federal Government and other government agencies to disregard negative reports sponsored by oil thieves against pipeline surveillance contractors, especially Tantita Security Services.
Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, owned by former Niger Delta warlord Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, and other pipeline security outfits, has faced criticism from some quarters for incidents of oil theft in the region. However, reports have suggested that oil production in the Niger Delta has improved since their involvement in pipeline security.
The IYC Worldwide, in a statement signed by its spokesman, Binebia Princewill, stated that they were compelled to correct some of the negative impressions created in the general public, which oil thieves had sponsored in their desperate bid to discredit and underreport the excellent work of Tantita Security on the pipeline surveillance security contract.
The statement added that with the onboarding of Tantita and other surveillance companies, the story of pipeline vandalism and oil theft has changed for the better.
With Tantita, IYC reiterated that oil production has increased significantly to over two million barrels per day, marking a notable milestone for the country’s economic fortunes.
IYC said the surveillance company and other gallant security agencies deserve commendation in the fight against oil theft in the Niger Delta, rather than the negative attitudes of some individuals who don’t want the good of the nation.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, and other critical stakeholders in the polity must know that those attacking Tantita and Tompolo are oil thieves; they are merely fighting back because it is no longer business as usual for them. The Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, must be wise enough to know the antics of these chronic oil thieves.
“Considering the excellent job done by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited in safeguarding oil facilities in the Niger Delta region within the last few years, the IYC is touched to commend the management of Tantita for a job well done once again, as the company’s activities are yielding more positive results in the war against oil theft.
“It is no longer news that Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies, is winning the war against oil theft that was rampant in our region before the signing of the pipeline surveillance security contract with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“This had gravely affected and depleted oil production, as well as damaging the Niger Delta environment,” the statement added.
The statement also called on the President and other security agencies to bring to justice the gun smugglers who dared to smuggle guns and ammunition into Delta State to cause a crisis in Warri.
