Ex-Militant Leader Applauds Court Ruling Upholding Tantita Security Contract

Former militant leader and Head of the Association of Urhobo Mayoral Family Crown (AUMFC), Mayor Eshanekpe Israel, popularly known as Akpodoro, has praised the Federal High Court for upholding the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) contract with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL).

In a statement released Monday in Abuja, Akpodoro hailed the judgment as “a well-deserved victory over evil,” saying Nigerians recognize the significant progress achieved by the Tompolo-owned firm since it was awarded the crude oil pipeline surveillance contract.

He congratulated the NNPCL, Tantita, and Nigerians at large, stating that “justice has prevailed over emotional sentiments.”

Akpodoro described the plaintiffs — a Joint Venture Partner and 43 others — as “enemies of national progress” jealous of Tantita’s achievements. The Federal High Court recently dismissed their suit challenging NNPCL’s award of the surveillance contract to TSSNL.

He accused the litigants of pursuing selfish interests that threaten national development, warning that certain figures in the oil sector were attempting to drag Nigeria back to the days of widespread oil theft and pipeline vandalism — crimes that Tantita has worked tirelessly to eliminate.

“The Tompolo-owned company has effectively curtailed oil theft, which explains why some vested interests are uncomfortable with its success,” Akpodoro said. “Since the award of the contract, TSSNL has become one of the largest employers of labour in the Delta region, helping many youths escape poverty and reducing insecurity around oil installations.”

He added that Tantita’s work has boosted Nigeria’s crude oil production and revived investor confidence in the petroleum sector. “It will take a long time for oil thieves to adjust to Tantita’s zero-tolerance policy on theft,” he said.

Akpodoro further noted that oil theft syndicates are still attempting to pressure the Federal Government to undermine Tantita’s achievements. “It is no longer business as usual. To steal a drum of crude under TSSNL’s watch is now more difficult than breaking into a bank vault,” he asserted.

He credited Tantita with transforming maritime security in the Niger Delta and making it nearly impossible for foreign vessels used in illegal crude operations to function in Nigerian waters.

Commending the judiciary for its steadfastness, Akpodoro urged it to continue defending justice, unity, and patriotism. “Tantita has come to stay,” he declared. “This victory is not just for the company but for all Nigerians who believe in transparency, hard work, and national progress.”

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