High Chief Kestin Ebimorbowei Pondi speaking during the occasion
* Assures of improved performance ahead
By John Egie
In less than two years after Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited was engaged to protect the Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructures, oil losses from theft was significantly reduced from 36.69 million barrels in 2022 to 7.68 million barrels between January and November 2023, reflecting a 79 per cent decrease compared to the losses of the previous year.
The outstanding results were contained in a report credited to the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for the year 2023.
Citing the report, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Kestin Ebimorbowei Pondi was proud to say TSSNL are making significant strides in the fight against oil theft and oil pipelines vandalism.
Pondi spoke at the Tantita’s Award Night: Honouring Excellence This Christmas event held recently in Warri.
He said the battle was not just about protecting the nation’s oil and gas infrastructures, “it is a mission to secure the economic future of Nigeria” adding that 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.”
The MD said in the Tantita’s Operatives within the period (August 2022 – Nov 2024) have shown unparalleled commitment in the fight against Crude oil theft discovered a total of 3,963 incidents captured on IMRA. Out of these numbers, 702 were illegal connection points, 971 were cases of theft, 1,784 were illegal refinery cases involving the destruction of 3,063 (as some of the IR were in a Cluster, having more than one Train), and 204 cases of Aversion/Deterrent.
“It is also worth noting that within this same period of intense work, Tantita Team apprehended 8 vessels, (3) Tugboats and 6 Barges, 117 Vehicles, 52 Tanker Trucks, 47 Fibre/Speed boats, 7 tricycle/motocycles and 1,743 wooden boats involved in illegal operations.
“While it will be exhausting to highlight every details of our journey to curtail the scourge of oil theft, a whole lot of other discoveries have been made by our team that has subsumed the scourge of oil theft as either a crime of need or that of greed.
“Our success is rooted in collaboration and the support we have received from the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led 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, the Nigerian Civil defense, the Department of State Security Service and the Nigerian Navy. Your dedication to eradicate oil theft and vandalism has emboldened us to achieve milestones that were once thought unattainable.
While recounting its success story, Tantita did not forget to mention those who paid the ultimate price. The ones in whose blood the flag of our success rest on. “The military especially personnel of the Nigerian Army, civil defense, key informants and of course personnel of TSSNL that died in the course of ensuring that our nation have a booming economy, we mourn and celebrate your sacrifices in same breathe.
“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.
“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.” He enthused.
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