A coalition of leaders from oil-bearing communities in Delta State, under the banner of Isoko Patriots, has strongly condemned what it described as an “orchestrated campaign” against Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
The group alleged that the attacks are being sponsored by crude oil theft syndicates seeking to sabotage ongoing oil surveillance operations and return the region to lawlessness.
The official position of the Isoko Patriots was read by Chief Idonis Uwubare, President-General of Irri Kingdom, Chairman of all Isoko PGs, and Secretary of the PGs Forum, Delta State, during a public address to the media and relevant authorities.
“We possess credible intelligence indicating that these orchestrated protests are part of a broader strategy to dismantle the oil surveillance architecture, creating a vacuum for renewed illegal oil bunkering activities,” Chief Uwubare declared.
He stressed that prior to Tantita’s engagement, similar security contracts were awarded to non-indigenous contractors without resistance or ethnic-based protests—even when crude oil theft was at its peak.
“Before Tantita came in, non-indigenous contractors handled these contracts without opposition. It is now, when progress is being made, that ethnic sentiments are being introduced by those with vested interests,” he said.
The Isoko Patriots noted that Tantita’s operations are fully compliant with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and that the company has brought substantial improvement to the security of oil assets, as well as economic opportunities for local communities.
“Tantita’s contract represents a strategic shift toward indigenization and accountability. The company is now one of the largest employers of labour in Isoko land and has contributed significantly to regional peace and security,” Uwubare added.
The group condemned what it called “faceless groups” pushing divisive narratives and attempting to derail the gains achieved so far. They urged the Federal Government, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), and other key stakeholders to remain focused and avoid being distracted by false claims.
“These distractions are being staged by those who once profited from chaos and impunity in the oil sector. We urge the government to expand Tantita’s operational mandate, not weaken it,” he said.
The Isoko Patriots further called for the creation of special courts to prosecute oil thieves and their sponsors, noting that decisive legal action is critical to sustaining the security of Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure.
In conclusion, the group reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding national resources, maintaining peace, and promoting economic development in the Niger Delta.
“We stand for truth, transparency, and progress. Tantita has our full support, and we urge the government not to give in to blackmail disguised as ethnic agitation,” Chief Uwubare declared on behalf of the Isoko Patriots.
