Major General Emmanuel Emekah, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, has credited the pipeline surveillance collaboration between Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and the Nigerian Army for driving crude oil production to approximately 1.7 million to 1.8 million barrels per day.
Emekah spoke at the inauguration of 60 transit residential units for senior military officers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, built with support of Tantita Security Services and Maton Engineering Services.
“It is noteworthy that the contributions and collaborative efforts of stakeholders such as Tantita Security Services have significantly enhanced the operational environment within the Niger Delta region,” the GOC said.
“These efforts have contributed immensely to the attainment of the current crude oil production output of approximately 1.7 to 1.8 million barrels per day, a remarkable feat that has not been achieved since 2009,” he added.
The Army GOC’s remarks come as recent security data indicate declining violent incidents in the South-South geopolitical zone and rising crude oil production after the Federal Government’s award of pipeline surveillance contract to Tantita in 2022.
A recent analysis by THE WHISTLER found that violent incidents in the zone declined by 20.9 per cent between 2023 and 2025, according to data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED).
The data showed that violent events in the South-South fell from 651 in 2023 to 515 in 2025. Fatalities from such events declined by 8.3 per cent in the same period.
Meanwhile, the North-West recorded a 127.9 per cent rise in incidents between 2023 and 2025, the North-Central zone recorded a 74.1 per cent increase, and the North-East saw a 19.5 per cent rise alongside a 26.4 per cent increase in fatality rate. Together, the three northern zones accounted for approximately 78 per cent of all conflict events and over 90 per cent of all fatalities in 2025.
Tantita, which currently employs about 136,000 persons in pipeline surveillance activities, has also partnered with Stakeholders Development Network and Ecosus Pro Nigeria Limited to launch the Tantita Sustainable Rice Farming Initiative to transition communities previously engaged in illicit oil-related activities into structured, large-scale rice farming.
Managing Director of TSSNL, High Chief Kestin Pondi, had stated at the launch of the programme in 2025: “We recognise that security enforcement is only one part of the solution. Providing alternative, sustainable livelihoods is the real way to break the cycle of illegal oil activities.”
At Wednesday’s inauguration of the residential units, Major General Emekah said: “The completion of these 60 units of one-bedroom flats is a testament to what can be achieved through strategic partnership, shared vision, and commitment to national development.”
He said the project aligns with the philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, which places “premium emphasis on the sound administration and welfare of troops as a critical enabler for operational success.”
Tantita’s General Manager (Security), Brigadier General Efemena Edafioghor (rtd), represented High Chief Pondi at the event, said the company believes that troops’ welfare is key to operational effectiveness.
“The decision by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and Maton Engineering Services to facilitate the construction of this accommodation project was informed by our belief that the welfare of personnel is a critical component of operational effectiveness,” Edafioghor said.
“As indigenous companies committed to the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, particularly in the Niger Delta region, Tantita Security Services and Maton Engineering recognise the importance of strategic partnerships in promoting peace, security, and economic prosperity.
“Our collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies has continued to yield positive outcomes in safeguarding the nation’s oil and gas infrastructure, enhancing security, and supporting the economic well-being of our country,” he said.
He expressed hope that the facility would “serve as a lasting symbol of the fruitful partnership between the Nigerian Army and responsible corporate organisations working together for the advancement of our nation.”
