The Niger Delta Concerned Stakeholders for Accountable Security and Progress have clarified that the deployment of surveillance drones by TANTITA Security Services Nigeria Limited is aimed solely at strengthening efforts against crude oil theft and the vandalism of critical national assets, and not to promote ethnic division or tension in the region.
The group made the clarification in a statement issued in Asaba, Delta State, amid concerns and criticisms from some quarters over the recent deployment of advanced surveillance technology by the private security firm.
According to the stakeholders, the drones are part of modern security measures introduced to improve monitoring of oil pipelines, flow stations, and other critical infrastructure that have long been targets of oil thieves, illegal refiners, and vandals operating within the Niger Delta.
The group stressed that TANTITA’s operations are focused on safeguarding national economic assets and supporting government efforts to curb the massive revenue losses associated with crude oil theft.
They noted that the surveillance drones provide real-time intelligence, enhance rapid response capabilities, and help security agencies identify and track illegal activities in difficult terrains, including creeks and remote communities.
The stakeholders expressed concern over what they described as attempts by some individuals and groups to politicize the deployment of the drones and portray the initiative as being targeted against particular ethnic nationalities or communities.
“We wish to state categorically that the surveillance drones are security tools designed to combat oil theft and pipeline vandalism. They are not intended to profile, intimidate, or target any ethnic group in the Niger Delta,” the statement said.
The group further urged residents of the region to support efforts aimed at protecting oil and gas infrastructure, emphasizing that crude oil theft has continued to undermine economic development, environmental sustainability, and social progress in the Niger Delta.
They commended TANTITA Security Services for its contributions to the reduction of oil theft in recent years, noting that increased surveillance and community engagement have helped improve crude oil production levels and government revenue.
The stakeholders also called on political leaders, community heads, youth groups, and civil society organizations to avoid spreading misinformation capable of creating unnecessary tension among the diverse ethnic groups in the region.
According to them, maintaining peace and cooperation among communities remains essential to achieving lasting security and economic prosperity in the Niger Delta.
They reiterated their support for lawful and technology-driven approaches to protecting national assets and urged relevant authorities to continue strengthening partnerships that would help eliminate oil theft and related criminal activities across the region.
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