Pix: Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, CG, NSCDC

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Ahmed Audi, on Thursday, promised collaboration with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, to safeguard government assets in the Niger Delta region.

He stated this on Thursday when he led the top hierarchy of NSCDC personnel on an operational visit to the head office of the outfit in Warri and Gbaramatu Kingdom.

Tantita was contracted by the Federal Government to monitor the oil pipelines in the Niger Delta axis.

Speaking during the visit, Audi said, “No security service has a monopoly of any strategy as far as curbing crude oil theft menace is concerned.”

He paid glowing tribute to the TSSNL, noting that with its collaboration, the level of the nation’s crude oil production capacity had improved tremendously.

“Even though Tantita is not the only private security company engaged by the Federal Government for oil pipeline security surveillance activities, Tantita is doing very well as far as I am concerned.

“The NSCDC will continue to collaborate with Tantita in safeguarding government assets in the Niger Delta region,” he said.

He said the purpose of his visit was to cement the relationship between the civil defence and Tantita.

He said, “Collaboration is very very central. We will continue to collaborate with Tantita because our primary objective is to minimise or completely eliminate the menace of crude oil theft.”

The NSCDC CG further said, “Tantita is one of the major stakeholders collaborating with the Joint Security Services as far as the provision of security and safety of pipelines is concerned.

“We have now seen that no service has a monopoly of any strategy as far as curbing this (crude oil theft) menace is concerned.

“Whether we like it or not, as of today, the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy is still oil. It is going to be our collective decision to come together to protect the precious gift God has given us.”

He assured Tantita of the support of the civil defence and collaboration to ensure success.

“You are not alone in this business. We have other companies. But I have to tell you that Tantita is doing very well as far as I am concerned because our staff are with you.

“We are collaborating with you. And you are also doing your best in the area of the welfare of the staff. We have been getting information that they are being taken care of,” he said.

In a welcome address, the Managing Director of TSSNL, Chief Kestin Bondi, highlighted the impact of the company’s security operations in curbing oil theft and environmental degradation.

He said apart from the significant improvement in crude oil production, there was presently the restoration of aquatic life in the Niger Delta.

“As of today, we have surpassed two million barrels per day in crude oil production,” he stated, adding that “our waters are now very clean, and our people can fish again.”

He added, “Before now if you threw bread into the river, you would hardly see any fish eating it. But today, thanks to Tantita Security Services, the fish are back.”

Bondi lauded President Bola Tinubu’s administration for providing a level playing field for private security firms assisting in the fight against oil theft.

“When you give someone a job, another thing is to ensure fairness. We must appreciate the government for allowing us to operate effectively,” he said.

The Chairman of Tantita Security Services, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, received the team in Gbaramatu Kingdom