Barracks First, Communities Later? Niger Delta Youth Question Tantita’s Development Choices
By Paul Ebi
Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) has commissioned newly constructed and remodelled office facilities for the Nigerian Army at the 3 Battalion Headquarters and Sector I Headquarters in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, in a move aimed at strengthening operational efficiency and deepening civil–military collaboration in the Niger Delta.
The facilities, commissioned on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, within the Effurun Barracks, comprise 13 newly constructed offices at the 3 Battalion Headquarters and 22 remodelled offices at the Sector I Headquarters.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief (Engr.) Kestin Ebimorbowei Pondi, said the project was anchored on the belief that security thrives on cooperation rather than isolation. According to him, sustainable security can only be achieved through strong collaboration between public and private institutions, a principle he described as the cornerstone of Tantita’s security strategy.
Pondi recalled that since Tantita’s engagement by NNPC Limited in August 2022, the company has worked closely with government security agencies—especially the Nigerian Army—to combat crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other forms of economic sabotage. He praised the Army’s professionalism, discipline, and leadership, describing them as critical to the gains recorded so far in protecting national assets.
He stressed that the project went beyond infrastructure development, noting that the facilities were designed to enhance coordination, improve operational readiness, and support the welfare of officers and men deployed in the Niger Delta. According to him, the initiative, executed as part of Tantita’s corporate social responsibility, reflects the company’s belief that effective security must be supported by a conducive and dignified working environment.
Pondi disclosed that the project, which commenced in August 2025, was completed within record time, underscoring the benefits of effective public–private partnerships. He also expressed appreciation to NNPC Limited, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Project Management Office, host communities, and security agencies—including the Nigerian Army, Navy, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Police Force—as well as Tantita staff for their cooperation.
In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, commended Tantita for its consistent support to security operations and infrastructural development in the Niger Delta. He noted that the facilities aligned with his command philosophy, which prioritises operational effectiveness, administrative efficiency, and troop welfare.
Similarly, the Commander, 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Moronfolu Shonibare, expressed gratitude to Tantita’s management for the construction of the Sector I Headquarters, saying the collaboration had significantly strengthened efforts to secure pipelines and curb oil theft, with positive impact on national oil production.
The Commanding Officer, 3 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Major Salman Mohammed, said that upon assuming command in November last year, improving living and working conditions within the barracks was one of his top priorities. He explained that the renovation and construction of the battalion headquarters were driven by a people-centred command philosophy that recognises troops as the unit’s most valuable asset. According to him, the newly furnished headquarters would boost morale, professionalism, and operational efficiency.
Community Reactions and Calls for Broader DevelopmentWhile the project has been widely praised for strengthening security infrastructure, voices from riverine communities have also raised concerns about perceived imbalance in development priorities.
Some community members questioned what impact similar investments could have if directed toward social infrastructure in riverine areas. They asked what would happen if Tantita built hospitals in riverine communities, equipped the General Hospital in Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri Kingdom, or established skill acquisition centres to tackle youth unemployment.
Others expressed frustration that despite Tantita’s visible projects in urban centres like Warri, many Ijaw riverine communities still lack basic amenities. They urged the management of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited to rethink its corporate social responsibility focus and extend more development projects to underserved riverine kingdoms.
While acknowledging Tantita’s contributions to national security, the commentators stressed the need for inclusive development, calling on the company to remember that many Ijaw communities remain underdeveloped and eager for tangible social and economic interventions.
As the debate continues, stakeholders say a balanced approach that combines strong security collaboration with grassroots community development could further consolidate peace, trust, and sustainable progress in the Niger Delta.
