…. Tinubu, reason Tantita is succeeding – Ex INC president
The deepened collaboration between the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL) is greatly assisting in ending all forms of economic sabotage in the Niger Delta, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Dr. Abubakar Audi, stated this when he led a delegation of senior officers to meet with the Managing Director of TSSL, Chief Kestin Pondi, and the Founder of Tantita, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, in Warri and Oporoza, Delta State.
The team, which was on a tour of NSCDC formations in the Niger Delta region, inspected the operational facilities of NSCDC operatives working with Tantita in remote creeks to assess their activities and encourage frontline security agents.
According to him, the tour was aimed at obtaining first-hand information on his men’s activities on the ground and strengthening the relationship between the NSCDC and Tantita.
He noted that oil remains the mainstay of the Nigerian economy and, in line with the mandate of his security outfit, the corps would work with the foremost security company to protect oil assets.
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Audi further stated that the NSCDC would celebrate the gallantry of its personnel on March 1st, adding that the occasion would recognize fallen heroes and empower the families of deceased officers.
He said: “We place a high premium on the welfare of our staff. That is why every March 1st, we recognize our personnel who died on active duty by assisting their families through the payment of life insurance benefits and other empowerment schemes.”
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Ltd, Mr. Kestin Pondi, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the enabling environment to combat oil theft in the Niger Delta region.
He assured closer collaboration with security forces, including the NSCDC, in the ongoing efforts to tackle pipeline vandalism and oil theft.
Pondi emphasised that without the collaborative efforts of the NSCDC and other security agencies, the successes recorded so far would have been impossible.
He commended the bravery and professionalism of the NSCDC in protecting critical national assets, stressing that improved oil production levels would boost national revenue.
He recalled that before Tantita’s involvement in combating oil theft, production levels hovered around 800,000 barrels per day, noting that the increase in production was due to collaboration with the NSCDC.
He expressed sadness over the deaths of NSCDC operatives attached to Tantita but assured that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
He said: “The success recorded in the recent past is due to the collaborative efforts of the NSCDC. At the moment, we have over 450 personnel in our organization providing collaborative services.
“It is worthy of note that when we came on board, the nation was producing between 600,000 and 800,000 barrels per day in 2022. However, as of today, production has exceeded 2 million barrels per day, largely due to our collaboration with you.
“Unfortunately, this has not come without incidents. We have had people killed, and some of your personnel have been shot. A very recent incident involved the loss of one of your staff, who left behind three children and a wife. Our management is discussing how we can support his family.”
Pondi stated that the visit of the NSCDC Commandant-General to the Niger Delta served as a morale booster for officers risking their lives to secure oil pipelines.
He said: “We want to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the enabling environment through the office of the National Security Adviser. The NSA has greatly enhanced the task given to Tantita.”
A former President of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, Engr. Udengs Eradiri, praised the NSCDC and Tantita for their mutual relationship, stating that their operational style aligns with President Tinubu’s leadership approach of community and stakeholder engagement.
Describing President Tinubu as a community-oriented leader, Eradiri noted that Tinubu’s governance approach centers on the people, adding that Tantita and the NSCDC’s engagement with local communities instills confidence in protecting oil facilities.
He said: “The collaboration among the NSCDC, Tantita, communities, and other security agencies is beginning to restore a greener environment in the Niger Delta. We hope this partnership continues to strengthen.
“This aligns with President Tinubu’s leadership style. He has always been about the people. For those of us who have known him for years, we are not surprised that he is doing things differently.
“Recall that during his campaign, he visited the Gbaramatu Kingdom. President Tinubu expanded the relationship with Tantita and consolidated on what he met, ensuring a smooth trajectory.
“He is the reason Tantita is succeeding, and we want to commend him for believing in Tompolo and the people,” he said.
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