‘We protect the pipelines with the people,’ Tantita tells Army Resource Centre Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) has said protecting Nigeria’s oil and gas pipelines “with the people,” not from them, formed the base of its operational framework and the landmark achievements recorded so far. This was the central message from Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) as the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), Abuja, undertook a high-level study tour of the company’s operational headquarters in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, as part of efforts to deepen national security strategy around the protection of Nigeria’s critical oil and gas infrastructure. The visit, which took place at the weekend, formed part of the Strategic Management and Policy Studies Course 8/2025 themed: “The Security of Oil and Gas Facilities in the Niger Delta: A Panacea for National Development.” The NARC delegation, led by Major General J.G.K. Myam (Rtd), Director General of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, comprised faculty members, course participants and the Commanding Officer of 3 Battalion, Warri Command. They were received by Tantita’s top management including Captain Warredi Enisuoh, Barr. Emmanuel Jakpa, Brig. Gen. Efe Felix Edafiogor and Daisy Jaja, among others. The delegation engaged Tantita management in a strategic policy dialogue aimed at studying the company’s operational framework for securing Nigeria’s oil and gas facilities, particularly its community-based surveillance system across the Niger Delta. In a keynote message, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Engr (Chief) Kestin Pondi, whose address was delivered by Barr. Emmanuel Jakpa, Executive Director, Legal and Corporate Services, highlighted the company’s people-centred security model. Pondi said, “We do not protect the pipelines from the people. We protect the pipelines with the people. We built community trust and we partner with the people to create local employment, work to sustain environmental stewardship. “Before now, the ecosystem was not friendly but when we came on board, the waters that was uninhabitable for fishes and other sea animals are now green and habitable. Fishermen are now back in business. “Our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) impact is felt and speaks volumes. We have positively touched and still touching lives and humanity and sustainable development is central to Tantita’s security operations.” Pondi further disclosed that the company has deployed advanced surveillance technologies to strengthen the protection of pipelines and maritime corridors. Related News According to him, Tantita operates the Tantita Operational Command Application (TOCA) across its command and control centres, supported by what he described as the largest drone fleet in West Africa used for aerial monitoring of pipeline networks and coastal channels, alongside body cameras deployed by field operatives. He added, “The Company also integrates alternative livelihood and climate initiatives through projects like the Tantita Rice Paddy Farm and the development of tree-counting software within the Tantita Operational Command Application (TOCA) to generate and monetize carbon credits for Niger Delta communities. However, oil pollution and crude contamination in the Niger Delta creeks and soil remain a major challenge requiring urgent environmental remediation across the Niger Delta.” The Tantita Managing Director also highlighted structural and policy challenges affecting the broader oil and gas security framework in the region, including limited implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, inactive Host Community Funds and the absence of clear frameworks for the disposal of seized crude oil. During the interactive session, members of the NARC delegation commended Tantita’s reputation in the field, noting that agencies visited during the course had spoken highly of the company’s contribution to protecting national oil assets. They also praised the integration of environmental stewardship and community development into Tantita’s security operations. As part of the visit, the delegation toured Tantita’s state-of-the-art Command and Control Centre where they observed the company’s real-time surveillance systems used to monitor illegal movements along pipeline corridors and maritime routes. The visitors were also introduced to the Tantita Operational Command Application and witnessed a demonstration of the capabilities of Tantita’s “Skywale drone” used for aerial surveillance. The visit concluded with an exchange of honours between Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, followed by a vote of thanks by Brigadier General A.A. Adekoya. Adekoya praised Tantita’s operational strategy, technological sophistication and measurable impact on national security and community development. The study tour underscored the growing recognition of community-based security frameworks in safeguarding Nigeria’s critical oil and gas infrastructure, with Tantita’s model demonstrating that when host communities become active partners in surveillance, the protection of national assets and broader national development are strengthened.