Oil theft: US arms giant to supply high-tech-spy- drones to Tantita Security

EBENEZER ADUROKIYA, Warri

American defence technology firm, Textron Systems, has struck a major deal with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) to provide advanced surveillance drones to protect critical oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta.

The contract involves the delivery of three Aerosonde Mk 4.7 Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), engineered specifically for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

Tantita, owned by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, better known as Tompolo, was commissioned by the Nigerian Federal Government to tackle rampant pipeline vandalism and oil theft.

The Aerosonde Mk 4.7 drones boast long endurance and can operate in confined spaces without needing traditional runways, making them ideally suited for monitoring Nigeria’s complex network of waterways and swamps.

Industry analysts predict the deployment will dramatically enhance Tantita’s surveillance reach, allowing for comprehensive oversight of oil infrastructure.

The drones, capable of extended flight times, will transmit real-time imagery and data to ground control stations.

The announcement has provoked mixed reactions nationally.

Supporters hail it as a proactive measure to safeguard national oil assets and curb staggering losses from crude theft.

Critics, however, voice unease over placing such sophisticated kit in the hands of private security contractors, demanding robust regulation and oversight to prevent any potential misuse of military-grade technology.

Since being engaged by the Federal Government, Tantita is credited with contributing to a notable rise in crude oil production, attributed to improved monitoring and protection of key installations.

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