•Ijaw youths
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has warned against any attempts to disrupt the progress made by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited in combating oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
The council urged individuals and groups to refrain from undermining ongoing efforts, stressing the need to sustain gains recorded in pipeline security operations, reports Saturday Guardian.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Binebia Princewill, the IYC cautioned against distractions that could weaken the impact of Tantita’s interventions.
It also called on advocates of decentralisation to channel their energies towards more productive contributions to Nigeria’s economy.
The council commended the federal government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for its support in addressing crude oil theft and pipeline sabotage.
According to the statement, there have been significant improvements in production levels and the security of oil and gas assets since Tantita began operations under the leadership of Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
“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 said Tantita’s grassroots intelligence network and operational capacity remain unmatched, describing the arrangement as a strategic advantage for the Federal Government.
It 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.
The council also called for the expansion and institutionalisation of the pipeline surveillance contract, citing its contributions to peacebuilding, environmental restoration, and youth empowerment in the Niger Delta.
Reaffirming its 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, calling instead for unity, stability, and economic prosperity.
