Stakeholders in the Niger Delta have rejected proposals to divide or decentralise the pipeline surveillance contract currently handled by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, warning that such a move could weaken coordination and reverse progress made against oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

At a meeting in Port Harcourt, groups including ex-militant leaders, regional trustees, and development advocates said the existing structure under the leadership of Government Ekpemupolo has significantly reduced illegal bunkering, sabotage, and attacks on oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta.

The stakeholders praised President Bola Tinubu for renewing Tantita’s contract, describing the decision as one that reflects the wishes of the majority of Niger Delta communities who have benefited from improved security and stability in the region.

They argued that breaking up the contract would create operational confusion, weaken accountability, and open security gaps that criminal groups could exploit. According to them, the current framework has built strong local intelligence networks and effective field coordination that should be strengthened rather than disrupted.

The groups also commended the National Assembly for endorsing Tantita’s performance and insisted that pipeline protection is too critical to Nigeria’s economy to be subjected to political bargaining or fragmented for patronage interests.