By Sandra Chukwunyere
In a significant move aimed at strengthening maritime surveillance and security operations across the Niger Delta, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited on Thursday handed over 15 newly acquired gunboats to the Nigerian Armed Forces to support the fight against crude oil theft, piracy, and other criminal activities on the nation’s waterways.
The commissioning and handover ceremony took place at the Nigerian Navy Boatyard in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in the presence of senior military officers, government officials, security stakeholders, and representatives of Tantita Security Services.
As part of the initiative to improve surveillance and patrol operations within riverine communities, the company allocated seven gunboats to the Nigerian Army and eight to the Nigerian Navy.
The additional platforms are expected to strengthen waterway monitoring, improve rapid-response capabilities, and enhance security presence across coastal communities and strategic oil-producing areas vulnerable to illegal activities.
Speaking during the ceremony, representatives of Tantita Security Services said the donation reflects the company’s commitment to supporting national security agencies in protecting Nigeria’s critical oil and gas infrastructure.
According to the company, increasing incidents of crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism, and sea piracy have made stronger collaboration between private security operators and government agencies more necessary.
“This support is aimed at enhancing the operational capacity of security agencies working tirelessly to secure the nation’s waterways, oil facilities, and coastal communities,” a company representative stated.
Military officials at the event commended the initiative, describing it as a major contribution to ongoing security operations within the Niger Delta region.
They noted that the deployment of the gunboats would improve surveillance activities, increase operational mobility in difficult riverine terrains, and reduce response time during enforcement and rescue operations.
Stakeholders also stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing security challenges affecting Nigeria’s maritime environment and oil sector, noting that collaboration remains critical to safeguarding national economic assets.
Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, headquartered in Effurun, Delta State, has continued to play an active role in pipeline surveillance, intelligence gathering, security escorts, and the protection of critical oil infrastructure across the Niger Delta.
Officials expressed optimism that the gunboats would further enhance maritime surveillance, improve safety on the waterways, and support ongoing efforts to secure Nigeria’s coastal and economic assets.
