Tantita donates 15 gunboats to military to tackle oil theft, piracy

By Joy Enamuna

A private security firm, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, has handed over 15 newly acquired gunboats to the Nigerian Armed Forces to strengthen maritime security operations across the country’s coastal region.

The handover ceremony took place on Thursday at the Nigerian Navy Boatyard in Port Harcourt, where military officers, government officials and representatives of the company gathered for the commissioning of the vessels.

According to officials, seven of the gunboats were donated to the Nigerian Army, while the Nigerian Navy received eight others to support ongoing operations against oil theft, piracy and related maritime crimes in the Niger Delta.

The development is expected to enhance joint security operations and improve surveillance across Nigeria’s waterways, which have remained vulnerable to illegal bunkering, smuggling and attacks on commercial vessels.

Speaking during the event, stakeholders stressed the need for stronger collaboration between public institutions and private organisations in protecting critical national assets, particularly oil and gas infrastructure.

They noted that the deployment of the gunboats would improve rapid response capabilities and serve as a deterrent to criminal activities threatening the nation’s economy.

The commissioning ceremony also highlighted the growing role of private security firms in complementing government efforts to secure strategic infrastructure and maintain safety within the maritime domain.

Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, headquartered in Effurun, is involved in pipeline surveillance, paramilitary escort services and the protection of oil and gas facilities across the Niger Delta region.