Pondi Echoes Tantita Security Services’ Achievements in the Fight Against Oil Theft

…pays glowing tributes to fallen heroes in the audacious quest.

In a heartfelt address at the company’s end-of-year party, High Chief Kestin Pondi, Executive Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), acknowledged the fallen heroes of the company and stakeholders in the fight against oil theft in the Niger Delta region. On Sunday, December 15, 2024, Pondi celebrated the significant strides made by Tantita in reducing crude oil theft, making major arrests, and seizing illicit assets over the past two years.

In his remarks, Pondi gave kudos to all security agencies and host communities for their exceptional support since Tantita was commissioned by the Federal authorities to bolster the war against criminal activities related to petroleum products. He emphasized the sacrifices of the fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price for the Niger Delta region and the nation at large, ensuring their efforts are highly valued and never forgotten.

Pondi led a minute of silence to honor those who lost their lives in the struggle, underscoring that the achievements in increasing crude oil production are a testament to their sacrifices. He lauded President Tinubu, NSA Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, host communities, and security agencies, including the Navy, Army, Airforce, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Security Services (DSS) for their unwavering support in the fight against crude oil theft.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we (Tantita) wouldn’t be where we are today without the unparalleled support and encouragement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, all arms of the security agencies, and our various communities in the Niger Delta. We are eternally grateful to Mr. President, NSA, security agencies, and our communities,” Pondi stated.

Highlighting the significant reduction in oil theft, Pondi noted that the collaborative efforts and relentless support have enabled Tantita to excel in its mandate. The rapid increase in crude oil production clearly shows that the sacrifices of the fallen heroes were not in vain.

Pondi’s address also included the full welcome speech, where he reflected on the journey and successes of Tantita Security Services:

Welcome Address by High Chief (Engr.) Kestin Ebimorbowei Pondi, FNII, FNSE, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.

1. Good evening, esteemed guests, colleagues, and friends,

2. It is a great honour to welcome you to Tantita’s Award Night: Honouring Excellence This Christmas. Tonight, we gather not just to celebrate achievements but to reflect on the incredible journey we have undertaken together in our fight against oil theft and crude oil vandalism.

3. This battle is not just about protecting the nation’s oil and gas infrastructures, it is a mission to secure the economic future of Nigeria. At Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, we have embraced this responsibility with unwavering resolve, and I am proud to say we are making significant strides in this fight.

4. Before the advent of the industry-wide security architecture called Operation Plug, established by the Board of NNPC E&P under the distinguished leadership of Mele Kolo Kyari in 2022, crude oil losses measured 36.69 million barrels, with daily production output of about 800,000–900,000 bpd. It was a dark time for the industry and the country at large.

5. In less than two years of Tantita’s engagement, the results were astounding. Reports from NEITI (Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative) and NUPRC (Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission) for the year 2023 show a significant reduction in oil losses from 36.69 million barrels in 2022 to 7.68 million barrels, reflecting a 79% decrease compared to the previous year.

6. In the span of Tantita’s operations from August 2022 to November 2024, Tantita’s workforce, showing unparalleled commitment in the fight against crude oil theft, discovered a total of 3,963 incidents captured on IMRA. Out of these, 702 were illegal connection points, 971 were theft cases, 1,784 were illegal refinery cases involving the destruction of 3,063 facilities (some in clusters with more than one train), and 204 were cases of aversion/deterrent.

7. It is also worth noting that within this period of intense work, the Tantita team apprehended 8 vessels, 3 tugboats, 6 barges, 117 vehicles, 52 tanker trucks, 47 fibre/speed boats, 7 tricycles/motorcycles, and 1,743 wooden boats involved in illegal operations.

8. While it will be exhausting to highlight every detail of our journey to curtail oil theft, many other discoveries have been made by our team, categorizing oil theft as either a crime of need or greed.

9. Our success is rooted in collaboration and the support we have received from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, whose commitment and partnership have strengthened our resolve and amplified our impact. Our immense gratitude goes to the unwavering support of the Government Security Agencies, especially the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Civil Defence, Department of State Security Services, and Nigerian Navy. Your dedication to eradicating oil theft and vandalism has emboldened us to achieve milestones that were once thought unattainable.

10. While we recount our success story, we will not forget those who paid the ultimate price. The military personnel of the Nigerian Army, civil defence, key informants, and TSSNL personnel who died in the course of ensuring our nation has a booming economy – we mourn and celebrate your sacrifices in the same breath.

11. Equally, I want to recognise the incredible efforts of our team—a resilient and dedicated group of individuals whose collective contributions drive our success. Whether in the field, planning operations, providing support, or ensuring seamless execution, every member of the Tantita family plays an indispensable role in achieving our mission. Your courage, diligence, and determination inspire us all, and tonight, we celebrate you.

12. As we honour excellence through these awards, let it serve as a reminder of what we can achieve when we work together with unity of purpose. They are not just symbols of individual accomplishment but also a testament to the power of teamwork and shared vision.

13. While we celebrate tonight, let us also look forward with renewed determination. The journey ahead will require even greater effort, but together, with the support of the government and the strength of our united team, there is no challenge we cannot overcome.

14. Thank you for joining us on this special occasion. Let us enjoy the evening, celebrate our victories, and embrace the possibilities of a better future.