The Nigerian Army has pledged renewed collaboration with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) to further strengthen security across the Niger Delta and consolidate recent gains in Nigeria’s crude oil production.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Ejim-Emekah, made the pledge on Wednesday in Effurun, Delta State, noting that sustained partnership between the Army, Tantita and other security agencies has significantly curbed oil theft, pipeline vandalism and economic sabotage in the region.
Speaking during the commissioning of the reconstructed and fully furnished Headquarters, Sector 1, Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, alongside the 3 Battalion Headquarters, the GOC said improved security of critical oil and gas infrastructure has been a key driver of the gradual rise in Nigeria’s crude oil output.
The projects, sponsored by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, include the construction of 13 new offices at the 3 Battalion Headquarters and the remodelling of 22 offices at Sector 1 facilities within the Effurun Barracks, Uvwie Local Government Area.
“Partnerships with credible private-sector operators such as Tantita have significantly strengthened the capacity of our troops to combat oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage in the Niger Delta,” Ejim-Emekah said.
He disclosed that Tantita’s interventions extend beyond Delta State to Rivers and Bayelsa States, adding that the company recently undertook another major project for the Army in Port Harcourt without prompting.
Recalling his assumption of office on January 24 last year, the GOC said one of his earliest visits to Effurun Barracks in Uvwie exposed the poor state of some military facilities.
“What I saw then was not befitting of an operational infantry battalion. Even company headquarters elsewhere were better,” he said.
Adding that, “I insisted that the outlook of the headquarters must change.”
Ejim-Emekah expressed satisfaction that the directive had now translated into concrete results, describing the newly commissioned facilities as a boost to command and control, administrative efficiency and operational effectiveness.
“These facilities will significantly enhance our operations. This commissioning reflects purposeful leadership and value addition,” he added.
The project was conceptualised by the Commander, 63 Brigade and Sector 1 JTF OPDS, Brigadier General M. A. Shonibare, and executed under Tantita’s corporate social responsibility initiative.
In his remarks, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Kestin Pondi, said sustainable security globally thrives on strong public-private collaboration, a principle that underpins Tantita’s engagement in protecting Nigeria’s critical energy assets.
“Since our engagement by NNPC Limited in August 2022, Tantita has worked closely with government security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Army, to combat oil theft, pipeline vandalism and related economic sabotage,” Pondi said.
He described the commissioning as more than an infrastructure milestone, saying it represents investment in personnel, capacity building and operational readiness.
According to him, the project commenced in August 2025 and was completed in record time, demonstrating what can be achieved through synergy and shared purpose.
Pondi commended the Office of the National Security Adviser, NNPCL, the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police, DSS, Civil Defence Corps, host communities, and Tantita staff for their collective support.
The event attracted senior military officers, representatives of sister security agencies, community leaders and key stakeholders, underscoring the growing role of private-sector participation in strengthening national security and boosting Nigeria’s oil production.
