A Niger Delta civil society organisation has alleged that individuals involved in crude oil theft are behind recent smear campaigns targeting pipeline surveillance contractor Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and its chairman, Government Elem polo, popularly known as Tompolo.
The Niger Delta Civil Society Forum (NDCSF) made the allegation while reacting to reports suggesting that the Federal Government under Bola Ahmed Tinubu may review or revoke the company’s reported $144 million pipeline surveillance contract.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Warri, Delta State, the group’s coordinator, Ezekiel Kagbala, condemned what it described as a coordinated social media campaign aimed at discrediting Tantita and undermining its operations in the Niger Delta.
According to the forum, the attacks were being sponsored by oil theft syndicates and other economic saboteurs whose activities had been disrupted since Tantita was engaged to monitor oil pipelines and other critical infrastructure.
Kagbala stated that the campaign was designed to weaken a security arrangement that had helped curb crude oil theft and illegal bunkering across several oil-producing communities.
“Tantita’s engagement has led to a significant reduction in pipeline vandalism and illegal refining operations.
The individuals attacking the company are those whose illegal businesses have been dismantled,” the statement said.
The group noted that before Tantita’s deployment in August 2022 by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Nigeria’s crude oil production had dropped to about 1.1 million barrels per day due to widespread theft and vandalism.
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However, it said security surveillance operations in the region had contributed to improved output and increased government revenue.
The NDCSF also claimed that waterways in the Niger Delta, once plagued by illegal refining and environmental pollution, have become relatively safer for fishermen, traders and other legitimate operators.
While commending Ekpemupolo’s leadership, the forum warned that any attempt to undermine Tantita’s operations could negatively affect Nigeria’s energy security and economic stability.
The group therefore urged President Tinubu to ignore what it described as propaganda from disgruntled individuals seeking to restore the era of rampant oil theft.
“The anger we are seeing is coming from criminals whose operations have been shut down. Nigeria must prioritise national interest and protect initiatives that are delivering results,” the statement added.