The Mayor of Urhoboland and former militant leader, Eshanekpe Israel, popularly known as Akpodoro, has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to increase both the contract sum and operational scope of the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd (TSSNL), owned by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo.
Akpodoro explained that the call became necessary following Nigeria’s steadily rising crude oil output, which he attributed largely to the effectiveness of Tantita’s operations in securing the nation’s waterways.
Citing a recent report by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Urhoboland Mayor highlighted the sharp reduction in crude oil theft and commended the federal government, through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), for engaging private firms in oil infrastructure protection.
According to the NUPRC, Nigeria’s daily crude oil losses dropped to 9,600 barrels per day in July 2025, compared to an average of 102,900 barrels per day at the peak of 2021—a 94.57% reduction. The decline began with a 44% reduction in 2022, followed by 79% in 2023, with sustained decreases through 2024 and into 2025.
Akpodoro praised Tantita’s community-based security model and credited much of the progress to the leadership of Chief Tompolo and Chief Keston Pondi, whom he described as pivotal to the company’s success. He added that the model has not only curbed sabotage but also created empowerment opportunities for communities in the Niger Delta.
He therefore appealed to the President, through the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to extend Tantita’s operational coverage to the entire Nigerian waters.
“I don’t know what the federal government is waiting for,” Akpodoro said. “Out of many contractors, only Tompolo’s company has consistently delivered results. Expanding Tantita’s operational areas and increasing its contract sum will put an end to oil theft. The community-based model and empowerment drive are worth emulating across Africa.”
The Mayor expressed confidence that with stronger government backing, Tantita Security Services could help Nigeria permanently overcome the scourge of crude oil theft.
