American defence technology firm Textron Systems has entered into an agreement to supply advanced surveillance drones to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, the private security company engaged by the Federal Government to protect critical oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta.
Under the agreement, Textron Systems will deliver three Aerosonde Mk 4.7 Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) drones to Tantita, a company owned by Niger Delta security contractor and former militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
The Aerosonde Mk 4.7 is a long-endurance tactical drone designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations. Its VTOL capability allows it to take off and land in confined spaces without the need for a runway, making it particularly suitable for monitoring challenging terrains such as creeks, swamps and offshore environments that characterise much of the Niger Delta.
According to Industry analysts, the deployment of the drones is expected to significantly strengthen Tantita’s surveillance capacity, especially in tracking pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage that have long affected Nigeria’s oil-producing regions.
The drones can operate for extended periods and transmit real-time imagery and data to ground control stations, enabling faster response to security threats.
The development has generated mixed reactions among Nigerians. While some stakeholders have welcomed the deal as a positive step towards enhancing the protection of national oil assets and improving production stability, others have expressed concern over the increasing sophistication of equipment in the hands of private security contractors.
Reacting on social media, supporters described the move as a “welcome development” that could help curb oil theft and secure vital pipelines.
However, critics cautioned that the Federal Government must ensure strict regulation and oversight of private security firms equipped with advanced, military-grade technology, warning of potential risks if such assets are misused.
Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has played a prominent role in Nigeria’s oil pipeline surveillance programme since its engagement by the Federal Government, with authorities reporting improvements in crude oil production levels following intensified monitoring of critical infrastructure across the Niger Delta.
