Tantita, US Firm Seal Partnership To Deploy Drones Against Crude Oil Theft
By Naija Enquirer Staff
American defence technology firm, Textron Systems, has entered into a partnership with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) to deploy advanced reconnaissance drones in the fight against crude oil theft and pipeline sabotage in the Niger Delta.
Under the agreement, Textron Systems will supply three Aerosonde Mk 4.7 Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) drones to Tantita, the private security company contracted by the Federal Government to protect critical oil and gas infrastructure.
Tantita is owned by Niger Delta freedom fighter, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
Boost to Oilfield Security
The partnership represents a major upgrade to Nigeria’s oilfield security architecture, coming amid renewed government efforts to curb crude oil theft, illegal refining and pipeline vandalism—activities that have cost the country billions of dollars in lost revenue over the years.
The Aerosonde Mk 4.7 is a long-endurance tactical drone designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Its VTOL capability allows it to take off and land in confined spaces without the need for a runway, making it particularly suited to the creeks, swamps and offshore terrain of the Niger Delta.
Industry analysts say the deployment of the drones will significantly enhance real-time monitoring of pipelines and oil facilities, allowing for faster detection of breaches and more coordinated responses to criminal activity.
The drones are capable of operating for extended periods while transmitting live imagery and data to ground control stations, improving situational awareness for security teams.
Mixed Reactions, Rising Expectations
The development has generated mixed reactions across the country. However, supporters describe the move as a bold and necessary step toward protecting national assets and sustaining recent improvements in crude oil production.
On social media, several commentators welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that enhanced aerial surveillance could further reduce oil theft in the region.
Tantita Security Services has played a central role in Nigeria’s pipeline surveillance programme since its engagement by the Federal Government in 2022. Authorities have since reported improvements in oil output, attributing the gains partly to intensified security operations across key production corridors in the Niger Delta.
