Former Niger Delta agitators took to the streets of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Wednesday in a peaceful demonstration calling on the Federal Government to provide increased funding for Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, a private surveillance firm owned by ex-militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
The ex-militants, operating under the third phase of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, argued that Tantita’s operations have been instrumental in curbing crude oil theft and restoring Nigeria’s oil production capacity, which had previously plummeted below one million barrels per day. According to them, the intervention of Tantita has not only safeguarded key oil infrastructure in the creeks of the Niger Delta but has also helped boost production levels to near OPEC targets.
The protest, which was marked by chants of solidarity and placards bearing messages of support, ended with a statement signed by the group’s spokesperson, Theophilus Ebiama. He emphasized that the Federal Government’s investment in Tantita should be scaled up to consolidate the security gains made so far, noting that the current stability in oil output would not have been possible without the firm’s grassroots engagement and deep understanding of the terrain.
“Before Tantita came on board, Nigeria’s oil production had fallen to alarming levels. But today, due to the commendable surveillance efforts across our waterways and oil facilities, we are approaching our OPEC quota once again. This is not a coincidence—it’s the result of a targeted and community-driven security strategy,” Ebiama declared.
The demonstrators also used the occasion to pass a vote of confidence in the leadership of Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the newly appointed Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. They credited him with revitalising the initiative, offering critical support to Niger Delta youths through skills acquisition, education, and job placements that have contributed to sustained peace in the region.
Ebiama described Otuaro as a focused and grassroots-oriented leader whose short time at the helm of PAP has already made a measurable difference. He said the ex-agitators are united in their backing of both Otuaro and Tompolo, acknowledging their joint efforts in empowering the region and promoting peace through inclusive engagement.
“Under Dr. Otuaro’s watch, the Amnesty Programme has become more effective and transparent. Many of our youths now have hope—they’ve received training, employment opportunities, and most importantly, a reason to stay away from crime,” Ebiama stated.
The group called on the Federal Government, multinational oil companies, and other stakeholders to continue investing in security initiatives like Tantita and the Amnesty Programme, which they say are essential pillars of stability in the Niger Delta. They also urged an end to political interference and divisive tactics that could undermine the fragile peace currently enjoyed in the oil-rich region.
While pledging their continued commitment to non-violence and regional development, the ex-agitators stressed the importance of inclusive dialogue and equitable resource allocation in addressing the lingering socio-economic challenges of the Niger Delta.
