JUST IN: Comrade Freeborn Abraye Hails Tompolo, Tantita On Fresh Endorsement, Urges President Tinubu, NNPCL To Expand Tantita’s Scope Of Operation, Reject False Allegations Leveled Against Tompolo By Detractors, Saboteurs -

•••••Says Oil Thieves Fighting Tantita’s Operations As Tantita Becomes A Strategic National Asset In The War Against Oil Theft

By Uche Alvin

The National Coordinator of the Niger Delta Advocates for Peace, Development and Economic Justice (NDAPDEJ), Comrade Freeborn Abraye, has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, its management, and personnel over what he described as a fresh endorsement of the company’s efforts in combating pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday the 5th of August, 2026, Abraye described the recognition as “a clear acknowledgement of the importance of effective pipeline surveillance” and argued that it should encourage the Federal Government to strengthen, rather than diminish, initiatives that it considers to be delivering results.

According to him, Nigeria’s oil industry remains the backbone of the nation’s economy, and every successful effort to protect critical petroleum infrastructure contributes to higher production, improved revenue, greater investor confidence, and stronger economic stability.

“This endorsement is not merely a commendation; it is, in our view, a recognition of the importance of sustained vigilance in protecting Nigeria’s most strategic economic assets. When those assets are better protected, the nation stands to benefit.”

Abraye maintained that Tantita has demonstrated significant operational capacity and familiarity with the difficult terrain of the Niger Delta, which, in his opinion, has enhanced efforts to deter pipeline vandalism and illegal activities affecting oil installations.

He therefore called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to consider expanding the operational scope of the surveillance arrangement to cover additional strategic oil facilities where appropriate.

“Our position is straightforward: if an initiative is considered effective in safeguarding national assets, the logical response is to strengthen and improve it, not to weaken it. Protecting oil infrastructure is fundamentally about protecting Nigeria’s economy.”

The NDAPDEJ National Coordinator further urged the Federal Government to consider providing long-term policy certainty for effective surveillance initiatives, arguing that continuity could enhance confidence in the protection of Nigeria’s oil infrastructure.

According to him, every disruption prevented and every section of pipeline effectively secured represents an opportunity for increased government revenue, improved public finances, and greater economic stability.

“Every pipeline that remains intact, every facility protected, and every act of sabotage prevented contributes to the economic wellbeing of the nation. Protecting these assets is an investment in Nigeria’s future.”

Addressing public criticisms directed at Tompolo, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Matthew Tonlagha, and Matons Engineering, Abraye called on government agencies and the public to distinguish between allegations and verified facts.

He urged relevant institutions to continue relying on credible investigations and objective evidence when evaluating any claims, stressing that public confidence is best served by due process and accountability.

“National discourse must be guided by evidence, not speculation. Allegations should be examined fairly through the appropriate institutions, and conclusions should be based on verified facts.”

Commenting on proposals to decentralize the surveillance arrangement, Abraye said any future policy review should be driven by demonstrable performance, transparency, accountability, and the national interest.

“The central question should never be who gains political advantage. The question should always be: what best protects Nigeria’s critical oil infrastructure and strengthens our economy? National interest must remain the overriding consideration.”

He called on stakeholders, government agencies, host communities, industry operators, security institutions, and civil society, to work together in safeguarding the country’s petroleum infrastructure.

Abraye concluded by expressing confidence that sustained collaboration, effective surveillance, and evidence-based policymaking would continue to strengthen the fight against oil theft and support Nigeria’s long-term economic development.

“History will judge us not by the volume of our arguments but by the strength of the institutions and initiatives we support to protect the nation’s commonwealth. Our oil assets belong to every Nigerian, and their protection is a national responsibility.”

Signed:

Comrade Freeborn Abraye
National Coordinator Niger Delta Advocates For Peace, Development And Economic Justice (NDAPDEJ).