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…warn against campaign to undermine Stability of the Niger Delta

By Gloria Ikibah

The President of the South South Initiative, Emmanuel Iriogbe, has defended the current pipeline surveillance framework in the Niger Delta, warning that attempts to discredit the system could undermine the stability recently restored in the region.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Iriogbe said the group convened the meeting to address what it described as growing misinformation surrounding the protection of Nigeria’s oil pipelines, particularly in the wake of ongoing discussions and scrutiny by the National Assembly.

According to him, Nigeria’s oil infrastructure remains the backbone of the country’s economy and has for decades suffered from widespread vandalism, oil theft and organised criminal activity.

He said, “We have convened this press briefing today under the platform of the South South Initiative to address certain disturbing developments and deliberate misinformation currently circulating regarding the protection of Nigeria’s oil pipelines and the security architecture that has restored stability to the Niger Delta.

“Nigeria’s crude oil infrastructure is not just an industrial asset; it is the lifeline of our national economy. For decades, our nation suffered enormous losses as a result of pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering, oil theft, and organised criminality across the Niger Delta,” he said.

He said the country had lost trillions of dollars that could have been used to fund development projects and critical public services.

The SSI President further explained that a major shift occurred when the Federal Government began adopting a community-based approach to pipeline protection during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, a policy he said had been sustained by subsequent administrations.

“For many years, successive governments struggled to address this menace. Conventional approaches, including reliance solely on formal security agencies, unfortunately proved inadequate to stem the tide of theft and destruction.

“However, a turning point came when the Federal Government adopted a community-driven security approach, engaging indigenous pipeline surveillance companies with deep knowledge of the terrain and the communities,” Iriogbe stated.

Iriogbe identified companies such as Tantita Security Services and Maton Engineering Services among indigenous surveillance operators working across the region.
“One of the foremost among these companies is Tantita Security Services. There is also Maton Engineering Services, alongside other indigenous surveillance organisations operating across the Niger Delta. This strategy has produced measurable and undeniable results,” he said.

He maintained that before the introduction of the community-based surveillance structure, pipeline vandalism and illegal refineries were widespread across the Niger Delta.

According to him, the situation has significantly improved in recent years.

“Before the introduction of these indigenous surveillance structures, Nigeria’s pipelines were under relentless attack. Illegal refineries operated openly, crude was siphoned in massive quantities, and the nation could not even determine the exact volume of oil being produced or stolen.

“Today, the story is different. Pipeline vandalism has reduced drastically. Illegal bunkering activities have been significantly curtailed. The Federal Government can now make projections and budgetary plans based on more reliable production data,” he said.

He attributed the progress to the inclusion of host communities in the protection of oil infrastructure.

“These achievements did not happen by accident. They happened because local stakeholders were incorporated into the security architecture. Communities that host these pipelines now participate directly in protecting them,” he added.

Iriogbe explained that when the surveillance contract was awarded to Tantita Security Services, its leadership convened a major meeting in Oporoza, the traditional headquarters of the Gbaramatu Kingdom, where leaders from across the Niger Delta gathered to discuss an inclusive surveillance structure.

According to him, coordinators and subcontractors were appointed from areas where the pipelines pass, ensuring broad community participation.

“At that meeting, the leadership made it clear that pipeline protection would not be monopolised by one ethnic group or community. Instead, surveillance responsibilities were distributed across tribes and communities.

“This inclusive approach ensured that every community became a stakeholder in protecting national assets. These are verifiable facts,” he said.

The South South Initiative president also alleged that individuals who previously benefited from illegal bunkering were behind recent campaigns against the surveillance system.

“Corruption, especially in the oil bunkering sector, is fighting back. Those who profited from the chaos of pipeline vandalism and illegal refineries are naturally uncomfortable with the new order of accountability and surveillance,” he said.

He further warned against entrusting national resources to individuals whose presence in the region had been linked to corrupt practices.

“We cannot trust our resources to so-called forces whose only duty in the region is corruption and collaboration with illegal refineries,” he said.

Iriogbe urged Nigerians and the Federal Government to carefully scrutinise allegations being circulated against the current surveillance framework.

He noted that many oil-producing countries around the world invest heavily in protecting their energy infrastructure.

“The South South Initiative therefore urges the Nigerian public and the Federal Government to treat these allegations with extreme caution. We must not allow the enemies of Nigeria’s progress to dismantle what has taken years to build.

“No serious nation leaves the protection of its primary economic resource to chance. Nigeria should not be expected to do otherwise.

“Pipeline surveillance companies like Tantita are not merely security contractors. They have also demonstrated strong commitments to corporate social responsibility. Across the Niger Delta, numerous developmental initiatives have been undertaken,” he said.

He warned that dismantling the existing security arrangement without a clear alternative could push the Niger Delta back to the era of militancy and pipeline attacks.

“There was a time when the Niger Delta was engulfed in violence. Militancy disrupted production, pipelines were destroyed, and national revenues collapsed,” he said.

Iriogbe therefore called on the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sustain the current framework, to remain focused on protecting the gains made in the region.

“If necessary, the Federal Government may constitute a high-powered independent delegation to verify the claims we have presented today.

“In conclusion, we call on all well-meaning Nigerians to reject propaganda designed to resurrect the dark era of oil theft and pipeline vandalism. Let us protect the progress we have made and support systems that work,” he said.

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Pakistan has deployed naval warships to escort its commercial and energy vessels through the strategic Strait of Hormuz as tensions escalate amid the ongoing conflict involving United States and Iran.

According to the Pakistan Navy, the deployment is aimed at ensuring the uninterrupted flow of the country’s energy supplies and safeguarding merchant ships transporting critical resources through the vital maritime corridor.

The navy confirmed that its warships are currently operating in the strategic waterway, escorting Pakistan-bound commercial vessels amid rising security concerns in the region. The move is intended to prevent potential disruptions to shipping routes that are crucial for global oil and gas transport.

Pakistan has become the first country to deploy naval assets specifically to escort its own commercial and energy vessels through the Strait of Hormuz since hostilities intensified between Washington and Tehran.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, with a significant portion of global oil shipments passing through the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman.

The latest development underscores growing global concerns over the safety of international shipping routes as geopolitical tensions continue to threaten stability in the region.

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

In a renewed push to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and expand the structure of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kogi State, prominent political figure Dino Melaye on Wednesday hosted a strategic caucus and leaders’ meeting of the party at his residence in Kabba, pledging significant financial support to energise party activities across the region.

During the meeting, Senator Melaye donated the sum of ₦14 million to support the party’s membership drive, registration, and revalidation exercise, describing the initiative as a crucial step toward strengthening the ADC’s grassroots presence and preparing the party for future political contests.

The gathering brought together influential leaders and stakeholders of the party from across Okun land and the broader Kogi West Senatorial District. Those present at the meeting included Hon. Hassan Salawu, Engr. JK Odeyemi, Chief Joe Elebiyo, Chief Dayo Akande, Chief (Barr.) Gboyega Kolade, and Barr. Yemi Olumudi.

Also in attendance were all five Local Government Chairmen from Okun land, demonstrating a united front for the party’s growth in the region.

Other notable participants included Rt. Hon. Sunmonu, former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Prince Jambrite Sunmonu, Hon. S. O. Adeleye, alongside several other party leaders and stakeholders committed to advancing the fortunes of the ADC.

Senator Melaye emphasised that the support was aimed at mobilising members, strengthening party structures, and encouraging wider participation in the ongoing membership registration and revalidation exercise.

It could be recalled that earlier efforts to reposition the party saw him provide ₦10 million to the Kogi West Senatorial District during the unveiling of the ADC in the area, underscoring his continued commitment to building a formidable platform for democratic participation.

Party leaders at the meeting commended Melaye for his consistent support and dedication to the growth of the ADC, describing the intervention as a timely boost that will significantly enhance mobilisation efforts across the senatorial district.

The meeting ended with a renewed pledge by party stakeholders to intensify grassroots engagement and expand the party’s membership base across communities in Kogi West.