Tantita’s drones protect Nigeria, not target ethnic groups – stakeholders say

By Egufe Yafugborhi & Ochuko Akuopha

ASABA – The Niger Delta Concerned Stakeholders for Accountable Security and Progress clarified that TANTITA Security Services’ surveillance drones are intended to strengthen the fight against oil theft and asset vandalism, not to provoke ethnic conflict.

The Stakeholders issued a statement signed by Enisuo Oruomoni in response to claims from some individuals and groups that the drones would be used to support ethnic battles.

Oruomoni noted that bunkering syndicates altered their tactics after drones began exposing vessels and illegal refineries “in real time” in the creeks.

He said, “TANTITA drones are protecting Nigeria, not targeting ethnicities. Niger Delta people support technology that stops theft. Drones were approved by the federal government, not TANTITA alone.”

“Every flight plan, coverage area, and operational data is shared with security agencies. The Nigerian state is in charge. The drones belong to Nigeria’s fight against economic sabotage.”

“The real tension is crude theft, not surveillance. For decades, Niger Delta communities have fought, been displaced, and polluted because bunkering syndicates operate with impunity.”

On ethnic suspicions, the stakeholders explained, “A drone does not ask ‘is this Ijaw land or Itsekiri land?’ It asks ‘is this an illegal vessel stealing Nigeria’s oil?’ Technology is neutral. The enemy of the drone is the thief, not any ethnic group.”

“Host communities are the biggest winners of drone surveillance, with over 20,000 youths from host communities across Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo, Isoko, Ogoni, Andoni and Ilaje territories employed in control rooms.”

“We reject calls to ‘pause’ or ‘decentralize’ drones at the exact moment they are catching thieves. That is like asking police to remove CCTV while armed robbers are on camera.”

He urged the National Security Adviser and Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority to keep enforcing strict flight regulations and to share quarterly surveillance reports with the National Assembly so Nigerians can verify the data on TANTITA drone operations.

“NNPCL/Navy should expand drone coverage to offshore terminals where big vessels steal crude. Ethnic leaders should not allow themselves to be used by bunkering sponsors.”

“If you have evidence of drone misuse, take it to the NSA, DSS, or the House Committee on Petroleum. TANTITA’s drones are not a threat to any community.”

“They are a threat to economic saboteurs. And that is exactly what Nigeria needs right now,” Oruomoni concluded.