Crisis in the Creeks: Pipeline Contract War Escalates, Tantita Fires Back at Rivals

A fresh dispute over oil pipeline surveillance contracts has deepened tensions in the Niger Delta, with Tantita Security Services and Abili Integrated Services locked in a war of words over allegations of sabotage and complicity in crude oil theft.

The controversy stems from a recent National Assembly hearing on pipeline security, where contractors presented reports on their operations. During the session, Tantita was said to have accused some rival firms of involvement in pipeline vandalism, a claim that has since drawn strong criticism.

Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt, Managing Director of Abili Integrated Services, Brown Edoghotu, rejected the allegations, describing them as misleading and damaging to his company’s reputation.

Edoghotu particularly faulted the use of a video shown during the hearing, which allegedly linked his firm to a vandalised pipeline site. He clarified that the individual captured in the footage was himself and that he was present in an official capacity.

“I was at the location as part of a response team following a reported incident at Oshika in Ahoada West Local Government Area in September 2022,” he said.

He explained that the visit involved a joint assessment with officials of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company, alongside security agencies and civil defence personnel, aimed at evaluating damage and preventing further breaches.

The dispute escalated as Edoghotu accused operatives allegedly linked to Tantita of engaging in pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering activities. He claimed that some suspects connected to such activities had been arrested and handed over to authorities.

“These individuals were behind an illegal bunkering camp that our team uncovered and dismantled,” he alleged.

However, Tantita had earlier insisted that any of its operatives arrested in similar circumstances were investigated and subsequently cleared.

Edoghotu also took aim at claims attributed to Tantita regarding the discovery of massive illegal crude storage facilities in areas under his company’s coverage. He described the figures as exaggerated and lacking credibility.

“Such volumes would be difficult to conceal. These claims should be independently verified,” he said.

He further dismissed reports of extensive canal networks allegedly used for crude theft within his operational zones, challenging the rival firm to provide verifiable evidence.

In addition, Edoghotu questioned the effectiveness of surveillance efforts in territories under Tantita’s supervision, particularly in parts of Bayelsa and Delta states. He cited continued production challenges in locations such as Brass and Escravos, where he claimed output remained significantly below capacity.

By contrast, he maintained that areas managed by Abili Integrated Services had recorded higher levels of production stability, though he acknowledged that his company does not cover all oil assets in the region.

According to him, previous attempts to secure a retraction of the allegations were unsuccessful, prompting the decision to publicly address the matter.

In response, Tantita maintained that it had already presented evidence to substantiate its claims during the National Assembly hearing.

A senior official of the company, Warrendi Enisuo, was quoted by Premium Times newspaper as saying that the firm had submitted relevant materials, including videos and documentation, to lawmakers.

“We made our presentation with all the evidence at the National Assembly. Everyone is entitled to their opinion,” he said.