By; PETER UTEBOR, Asaba A group of Itsekiri stakeholders and employees of Tantita Security Services have publicly condemned a recent protes
By; PETER UTEBOR, Asaba
A group of Itsekiri stakeholders and employees of Tantita Security Services have publicly condemned a recent protest held in Abuja against the company’s operations, describing it as a “malicious distraction” aimed at sabotaging ongoing efforts to secure the Niger Delta from oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
At a press briefing tagged, “A Clarion Call for Truth and Peace in the Niger Delta,” the stakeholders representing over 1,400 Itsekiri indigenes gainfully employed by Tantita, distanced themselves from the protest led by one Mr. Kingsley Tenumah, alias Afere, who they accused of spreading falsehoods in a bid to undermine the progress made by Tantita under the leadership of ex-militant leader and security contractor, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
“We categorically disassociate ourselves from the protest and reject the claims made by Kingsley Tenumah and a few others who do not speak for the Itsekiri nation,” said Esimaje Awani, who signed the statement on behalf of the concerned stakeholders. “They are pursuing self-serving agendas and have no mandate from our people.”
The protest in Abuja had accused Tantita Security Services of being biased and fueling ethnic tensions, but the stakeholders countered that such claims were an orchestrated smear campaign against a company that has brought jobs, peace, and stability to the oil-rich region.
The group alleged that Mr. Tenumah is a direct beneficiary of Tantita’s contracts, having received remuneration as recently as June 19, 2025. “His actions only expose his mischief. This is not activism; it’s sabotage,” Awani noted.
Since its engagement under the Petroleum Industry Act, Tantita has been credited with significant contributions to the fight against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering. Its employment of thousands of youths across various ethnic nationalities including over 1,400 Itsekiris has reportedly curbed restiveness and crime.
“Tantita is a beacon of hope for our people. It has empowered our youths and given them legitimate sources of income. We will not allow personal vendettas or politically motivated acts to destroy what we have built,” the group declared.
They warned that past internal disputes and sabotage led to the departure of major oil and service companies from the Niger Delta, including Shell, Texaco, Schlumberger, AGIP, and others — a situation that left behind massive unemployment and hardship.
Acknowledging ongoing land and ethnic disputes in parts of the region, the stakeholders insisted that such issues should be addressed through dialogue, not by attacking a lawful security outfit. “We do not support any act that undermines our territorial rights as Itsekiris. But no one should use such disputes as an excuse to render over 1,400 Itsekiri workers jobless without alternatives.”
The group urged the Federal Government to continue supporting indigenous security outfits like Tantita, and called on the National Security Adviser and the general public to focus on verified results, not politically motivated theatrics.
“Tantita Security Services has done more than many multinationals did for us in decades. Let us protect what works. Let us not allow personal interest to drown the progress of an entire region,” Awani said.
The statement concluded with a firm call for peace and unity, urging all stakeholders in the Niger Delta to rally behind sustainable solutions to regional insecurity rather than fan the flames of discord.
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