By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
A human rights lawyer and activist, Comrade Deji Adeyanju, has raised concerns over the killings of personnel and officers of Tantita Security Services Ltd, a private security firm dedicated to safeguarding Nigeria’s vital oil pipelines and critical infrastructure.
Adeyanju, who spoke on Monday in Abuja, noted that these acts not only threaten the lives of those working to protect the country’s resources but also undermine the efforts to stabilize Nigeria’s oil production and economy.
He called on all security agencies to take immediate and decisive action not only against those who are perpetrating the brutal acts but also against their sponsors.
“By dismantling the networks that support these criminals, we can ensure a safer environment for Tantita personnel to operate and, in turn, enhance Nigeria’s oil production capacity. This will not only provide significant economic benefits but also enable us to meet our OPEC quota, vital for our national interests,” he said.
Adeyanju further stated that “since being awarded the surveillance contract, Tantita has played an indispensable role in the fight against oil theft and bunkering.
“Their relentless efforts have led to the arrest of numerous oil thieves, significantly curbing illicit activities that shortchange the Nigerian state.
“Thanks to their dedication and expertise, our oil output has improved remarkably, reaching approximately 1.3 million barrels per day. This achievement is a direct result of the sacrifices made by Tantita personnel, who risk their lives daily to defend our nation’s oil pipelines.
“The engagement of Tantita Security Services Ltd is critical in combating the scourge of oil smuggling and bunkering. As a local company, they possess intimate knowledge of the terrain in the Niger Delta and are acutely aware of the hiding places and tactics employed by these criminals.
“This unique understanding is vital for effective operations against oil theft, and it is imperative that our security agencies recognize and support this.
“I commend Tantita Security Services Ltd for their commitment and resilience in the face of unprovoked attacks against their personnel. Their courage and determination in the fight against oil theft are commendable and I urge them to continue to protect our oil and gas assets from these criminals.”