JUST IN: Tantita Crushes Delta Oil Thieves, Recovers Stolen Crude

DDM News

Delta, Nigeria – In what has been described as one of the most decisive operations against crude oil theft in recent years, Tantita Security Services has successfully dismantled a major oil theft syndicate operating in Delta State.

The operation, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, July 12, 2025, led to the arrest of several suspects and the seizure of over 10,000 barrels of stolen crude oil and illegal bunkering equipment.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the joint operation was executed by Tantita operatives in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Sources revealed that the security teams acted on credible intelligence, storming multiple illegal refining camps spread across riverine communities in the state.

According to preliminary findings, the syndicate had been siphoning crude oil from pipelines and transporting the stolen product through a network of illegal vessels.

Some of the suspects arrested are believed to be notorious kingpins linked to transnational oil theft rings with operations stretching into neighboring countries.

The Managing Director of Tantita Security Services, High Chief Kestin Pondi, while addressing journalists shortly after the operation, described the breakthrough as a “game-changer in securing Nigeria’s oil wealth and restoring peace to our communities.”

He emphasized that Tantita remains committed to the protection of the nation’s oil infrastructure and the development of the Niger Delta.

Oil theft, commonly referred to as “bunkering,” has been a longstanding challenge in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta region.

Despite multiple government interventions and security deployments over the years, illegal refining, pipeline vandalism, and environmental pollution remain major concerns.

Tantita Security Services, a private security outfit led by former militant leader Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, was engaged by the Federal Government to assist in pipeline surveillance and crude oil theft prevention.

Since its inception, the company has played a pivotal role in exposing illegal refining operations and collaborating with state security agencies to secure the oil-producing areas.

Community leaders across the Niger Delta have praised the latest operation, describing it as a turning point in the fight against crude oil theft.

Many expressed hope that such decisive actions will continue to prevent further environmental degradation, boost Nigeria’s oil revenue, and foster economic development.

The seized items, including illegal vessels, pumping machines, and locally fabricated refining units, are currently in the custody of security agencies, pending further investigation.

The suspects will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of the investigation.

Security experts have stressed the need for continuous monitoring, improved intelligence gathering, and sustained collaboration between the government, private security firms, and local communities to end oil theft and bring lasting stability to the region.

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