Ijaw Youth Council Backs Tantita, Issues Warning on Pipeline Security Disruption
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has issued a stern warning against any attempts to disrupt the significant progress achieved by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited in combating oil theft and pipeline vandalism. In a strongly worded statement, the council urged individuals and groups to refrain from undermining the ongoing efforts, emphasizing the critical need to sustain the gains recorded in pipeline security operations across the Niger Delta region.
Council's Statement and Commendations
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Binebia Princewill, the IYC cautioned against distractions that could potentially weaken the impact of Tantita's interventions. The council also called on advocates of decentralization to redirect their energies towards more productive contributions to Nigeria's economy, highlighting the importance of focused efforts in national development.
The IYC commended the Federal Government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for its unwavering support in addressing the persistent issues of crude oil theft and pipeline sabotage. According to the statement, there have been notable improvements in production levels and the security of oil and gas assets since Tantita began its operations under the leadership of Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
Evident Achievements and Strategic Advantages
"Oil theft has significantly reduced, production levels have improved, and confidence in the security of oil and gas assets has been restored. These achievements are not speculative; they are evident and verifiable," the statement read. It further described the pipeline surveillance contract as inclusive and beneficial, noting that it has created employment opportunities for thousands of Niger Delta youths and contributed to reducing restiveness in the region.
"The pipeline surveillance contract under the chairmanship of Tompolo has been benevolent, inclusive, and magnanimous. It has carried along stakeholders across the Niger Delta, cutting across ethnic, community, and state lines," the statement added. The IYC emphasized that Tantita's grassroots intelligence network and operational capacity remain unmatched, describing the arrangement as a strategic advantage for the Federal Government in maintaining security and stability.
Warnings and Calls for Expansion
The council warned that any attempt to alter the current structure without due consideration of its successes could lead to avoidable setbacks in oil production and security. It stressed the importance of preserving the existing framework to avoid regression in the hard-won gains.
Additionally, the IYC called for the expansion and institutionalization of the pipeline surveillance contract, citing its substantial contributions to peacebuilding, environmental restoration, and youth empowerment in the Niger Delta. The council highlighted how these efforts have fostered a more stable and prosperous environment for local communities.
Reaffirmation of Support and Unity
Reaffirming its strong support for Tantita Security Services and Tompolo, the IYC urged stakeholders to maintain unity among Niger Delta leaders and community actors to ensure sustained development and stability. It further urged the Federal Government to protect the existing framework and resist pressures that could undermine progress in pipeline security.
The council concluded that criticisms against Tompolo and Tantita do not represent the collective will of the Ijaw people or the wider Niger Delta region. Instead, it called for unity, stability, and economic prosperity, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration to build on the current successes and drive further improvements in the region's security and economic landscape.
