By By Ebenezer Adurokiya
THE collaboration between Tantita Security Surveillance Nigeria Ltd (TSSNL) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) appears to have significantly bolstered Nigeria’s crude oil economy while restoring the fragile ecosystem of the Niger Delta. This partnership has led to a substantial increase in crude oil production, a sharp decline in pipeline vandalism, and environmental improvements in the region. However, these achievements have not come without sacrifice, as personnel have faced violent resistance, with some losing their lives in the line of duty.
MD TSSNL Chief Kestin Pondi (left) and NSCDC Commandant General Dr AA Audi in a chat on Thursday
Despite these challenges, the cooperation between both organisations, as exemplified by the serene and convivial ambience between the two organisations on Thursday, remains a shining example of how public-private security partnerships can safeguard national assets. This piece, which is a fallout of the tour of the Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to the operational headquarters of the Tantita Security Surveillance Nigeria Ltd (TSSNL) in Warri, Delta State, the defence formations as well as Oporoza, headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom, on Thursday, examines the impact of their joint efforts, incorporating insights from key stakeholders in the ongoing battle against oil theft.
Reviving Nigeria’s Crude Oil Economy
Before TSSNL and NSCDC intensified their collaboration in the wake of the involvement of the former in surveillance courtesy of the Federal Government, Nigeria’s crude oil production was severely hampered by large-scale theft and pipeline vandalism. Chief Kestin Pondi, Managing Director of TSSNL, in his remarks during the tour, highlighted the drastic transformation in production levels: “By the time we came onboard, we were running between 600,000 to 800,000 barrels of crude oil in 2022 and as of today, we have gone above 2,000,000 barrels, and this is largely as a result of our collaboration.”
Middle, Chief Kestin Pondi and Dr Audi
Invariably, this increase in crude oil output has significantly improved Nigeria’s economic stability. The country, which relies heavily on oil exports for revenue, suffered massive losses due to oil theft. The gains from enhanced security have strengthened foreign exchange earnings, reinforced investor confidence, and helped Nigeria meet its OPEC production targets.
The role of private security firms like TSSNL has, therefore, proven essential in this turnaround. The NSCDC Commandant General, Dr Audi, acknowledged the value of private-sector involvement in securing national assets when he quipped: “We have seen that it is going to be done well when we have private security companies involved in this kind of business because globally, there is what is called PPP, which is Private Partnership Engagement.”
Through intelligence sharing, surveillance, and rapid response operations, TSSNL and NSCDC have managed to curb the rampant crude oil theft that had plagued the nation’s economy for years.
NSCDC Commandant General Dr Audi addressing personnel at Oporoza on Thursday
Curbing Pipeline Vandalism and Oil Theft
Pipeline vandalism has long been a major threat to Nigeria’s energy sector, leading to economic losses and environmental degradation. Through their joint efforts, TSSNL and NSCDC have significantly reduced the frequency of pipeline breaches. While acknowledging that some attacks still occur, Chief Pondi stressed that the situation has improved considerably: “There are still going to be once in a while attacks from oil thieves. We still have one or two incidents like that, but they have been greatly reduced.”
Dr Audi reinforced the importance of sustained cooperation to eliminate the menace entirely affirming: “Whether we like it or not, as of today, the Nigerian economy is still oil, and it is going to be our collective decision to come together to protect this very precious gift that God has given us.”
The collaborative approach has leveraged the strengths of both entities—TSSNL’s local intelligence and NSCDC’s professional security expertise. While oil thieves continue to adapt, security forces have remained vigilant, minimising their impact.
Chief Pondi presenting plaque to Dr Audi
However, this fight has come at a great cost. Several security personnel especially on the part of TSSNL have lost their lives in the line of duty. Chief Pondi recounted a particularly tragic incident: “There is an incident where one of our personnel was killed in one community. I was told yesterday (Wednesday) that he has been buried. We extend our condolences to the family. We have been discussing what we can do for the family. We were told he had three kids and a wife.”
Recognising the dangers their personnel face, both TSSNL and NSCDC have committed to improving welfare packages for families of fallen officers. Dr Audi reaffirmed NSCDC’s dedication to this cause when he added: “We give high premium to the welfare of our staff… That is why by next week when we celebrate the Civil Defence Day, we are going to recognise and take care of the personnel we lost through their next of kin and try to give them good welfare and packages in terms of their insurance.”
This commitment to personnel welfare ensures that those on the front lines remain motivated and that the sacrifices of the fallen are not in vain.
Life returning to ecosystem
Restoring the Niger Delta Ecosystem
Beyond the economic benefits, the partnership between TSSNL and NSCDC has had a remarkable impact on the Niger Delta’s environment. Years of illegal oil bunkering had devastated the region, polluting rivers, killing aquatic life, and making fishing nearly impossible. However, due to enhanced security, the ecosystem is gradually recovering.
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Chief Pondi described the visible improvements in water quality and marine life: “Today, sir, it will be worthy of note that if I take you around, you will see that our waters are very clean. Our people can now fish in the inner waters. Before, if you stood at your jetty and threw down bread, you would not see any fish come and pick at it, but now, we have fishes swimming around.” A tour of Dr Audi and his entourage to Oporoza, a journey of about two hours on speed boat shortly after the discussion at the TSSNL headquarters, gave immense credence to this claim.
The restoration of aquatic life is not just an environmental victory, but also an economic one. Many Niger Delta residents rely on fishing for their livelihood, and the return of marine life signals renewed economic opportunities for local communities.
While full ecological restoration will take time, the progress achieved so far is undeniable and visibly palpable. The drastic reduction in oil spills means that farmers and fishermen can return to their traditional occupations without fear of contamination.
Chairman, TSSNL, Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo (left) in a chat with NSCDC Commandant General, Dr AA Audi at Oporoza on Thursday
Building Confidence in Local Security Initiatives
A significant aspect of this collaboration is the renewed confidence in local security initiatives. The presence of TSSNL, a private security firm deeply connected to the local communities, has played a crucial role in gaining public trust. Many residents have chosen to support security efforts rather than engaging in illegal oil activities. The near-zero crime situation in Warri and environs during the 2024 Yuletide celebrations attest to how much TSSNL’s engagements of several youths have impacted the social order and engendered peace and tranquillity in the state.
Chief Pondi highlighted this shift: “There are people who have confidence in local security and decided to give that opportunity to also participate in ensuring that normalcy is brought back to our environment.”
By involving the local population in security operations, TSSNL and NSCDC have created a sense of ownership among the people, making it harder for criminals to operate.
Personnel of both TSSNL and NSCDC at TSSNL complex at Effurun Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State on Thursday
Strengthening Institutional Cooperation
The collaboration between TSSNL and NSCDC exemplifies the effectiveness of multi-agency cooperation. Dr Audi underscored the importance of the “Three Cs” in security operations: “Collaboration, cooperation, and coordination are copiously in practice.”
By working together, both organisations have maximised their strengths and minimised operational gaps. Dr Audi also noted NSCDC’s history of collaboration with the military, highlighting the professional expertise brought to the table: “We did most of our trainings in the Nigerian Army, and so when you are dealing with us, know that you are dealing with professionals.”
The reporter at the operational base of NSCDC in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State on Thursday during the tour of Commandant General Dr Audi.
Conclusion
The partnership between TSSNL and NSCDC has proven to be a game-changer and a win-win for Nigeria’s crude oil economy and the Niger Delta’s environmental restoration. Through their combined efforts, crude oil production has surged, pipeline vandalism has declined, and marine life has begun to return to full gear.
While challenges remain, including the evolving tactics of oil thieves and the risk of insider compromise, the foundation laid by this collaboration is strong. By maintaining their momentum and addressing socio-economic factors that drive illegal oil activities, Nigeria can move closer to a future where crude oil theft is eradicated, the environment is fully restored, and local communities thrive.
It is believed that this collaboration will continue to serve as a model for public-private security partnerships, demonstrating that with cooperation, vigilance, and commitment, national resources can be effectively protected for the benefit of all.
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