A dispute over pipeline surveillance contracts has heightened tensions in the Niger Delta, with Tantita Security Services and Abili Integrated Services trading accusations over alleged sabotage and involvement in crude oil theft.
The controversy follows a National Assembly hearing on pipeline security, where contractors were invited to brief lawmakers on their operations. During the session, Tantita was reported to have raised concerns about alleged complicity of rival firms in pipeline vandalism, claims that have since triggered a strong backlash.
Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt, Managing Director of Abili Integrated Services, Brown Edoghotu, dismissed the allegations as false and damaging, insisting they were aimed at tarnishing his company’s reputation.
He specifically rejected the interpretation of a video presented at the hearing, which allegedly linked his firm to a vandalised pipeline site. Edoghotu said the person seen in the footage was him, and that his presence at the location was strictly official.
“I was at the site as part of a response team following a reported incident at Oshika in Ahoada West Local Government Area in September 2022,” he said.
According to him, the visit was conducted alongside officials of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company, as well as security agencies and civil defence personnel, for damage assessment and to prevent further incidents.
The Abili boss escalated the exchange by accusing individuals allegedly linked to Tantita Security of engaging in pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering activities across parts of the Niger Delta. He claimed that some suspects had been arrested and handed over to relevant authorities.
“These individuals were behind an illegal bunkering camp that our team uncovered and dismantled,” he alleged.
Tantita, however, has previously maintained that its personnel arrested in related incidents were investigated and cleared of wrongdoing.
Edoghotu also challenged claims attributed to Tantita regarding the discovery of large illegal crude storage sites within areas under Abili’s coverage, describing the figures as exaggerated and unrealistic.
“Such volumes cannot be concealed without detection. These claims should be independently verified,” he said.
He further dismissed allegations of extensive canal networks allegedly used for crude theft, demanding that the rival firm provide verifiable evidence to support its assertions.
The dispute also extended to operational performance, with Edoghotu questioning surveillance effectiveness in areas under Tantita’s control, including parts of Bayelsa and Delta states. He cited ongoing production challenges in key oil-producing locations such as Brass and Escravos, where he alleged output remains below optimal levels.
In contrast, he claimed that areas managed by Abili Integrated Services had recorded improved production stability, though he noted that the company does not oversee all oil assets in the region.
Edoghotu said attempts to secure a retraction of the allegations had not been successful, prompting his decision to publicly respond.
Responding to the accusations, Tantita Security Services insisted it had already submitted evidence during the National Assembly hearing to support its claims.
A senior official of the company, Warrendi Enisuo, said Tantita had presented videos and other documentation to lawmakers and would not engage further in public disputes.
“We made our presentation with all the evidence at the National Assembly. Everyone is entitled to their opinion,” he said.
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