The Ijaw Publishers' Forum (IPF), alongside 19 other groups in the Niger Delta region, have added their collective voice to the discourse of pipeline surveillance by throwing their weights behind Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) and Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited (MENL), with an urgent reminder to the National Assembly that no individual or community has the wherewithal to secure pipeline in the region, while warning that allowing oil thieves to hijack and take control of the creeks would have disastrous consequences on the nation's oil revenues.

The various groups made their position known in an open letter signed and addressed to the Senate and the House of Representative, with copies made available to media houses on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

The various groups including the IPF are Ijaw People's Development Initiative, Third Phase Leadership Forum of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Ijaw Women Rights' Protection Forum, Niger Delta Progressive Youth, Itsekiri Nation Youth Forum, Delta Mega Youth for 2027, Isoko Youth Network, Ijaw Women in Politics and Culture for Development, Ijaw Women For Change.

Others are Urhobo Youths Coalition, Nigeria Progressive Youth Alliance, Cross River Justice League, Bayelsa Youth Network, Rivers Youth Coalition Forum, Edo People Assembly, Ondo Ijaw Justice Front, Akwa Ibom Youth Stakeholders' Network, Niger Delta Agitators For Equitable Development Forum, and Warri Peace Forum.

The groups urged the National Assembly to recognize and support the efforts of TSSNL and MENL that are not only producing results, but have created jobs and empowered individuals and businesses beyond their corporate social responsibilities.

The letter reads, "We express our utmost concern over the sponsored campaigns of blackmail and calumny against Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and Maton Engineering Company. These companies have been contracted to provide pipeline security services, and we urge you to disregard any malicious attempts to undermine their efforts during your plenary on Friday.

"The Niger Delta region has suffered greatly from oil theft, which has crippled our economy. Tantita and Maton Engineering Company have made significant strides in curbing this menace, and we appreciate their dedication. We are grateful for their contributions to our nation's economic stability.

"We wish to state that the current surveillance architecture, involving Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and Maton Engineering, was adopted by the Federal Government after years of economic sabotage that cost Nigeria billions of dollars in lost revenue. Since the engagement of these firms, crude oil theft has significantly reduced, production levels have drastically and astronomically improved, and community engagement has been broadened across ethnic lines.

"We wish to emphasize again that the existing pipeline surveillance model already accommodates host communities through employment, stakeholders' engagement, intelligence gathering, and grassroots participation, including youths and leaders of people agitating ignorantly. We urge the National Assembly to focus on supporting initiatives that promote peace, stability, and development in the Niger Delta region, rather than entertaining baseless allegations.

"Tantita and Maton Engineering Company are working tirelessly to ensure our nation's oil resources are protected and utilized for the benefit of all Nigerians. The National Assembly should equally know that no individual or community has the power to secure any pipeline in Niger Delta, such individuals will compromise and invariably overrun by the dangerous cartels of oil theft who desperately do their business with guns and bullets. The government has once adopted the community based model it didn't work. It adopted a military approach, it doesn't work. Hence, this current approach which is working perfectly. The president and the national Assembly should know that it is leaders of oil theft that are sponsoring blackmail against Tantita and Maton Engineering Company. The national Assembly should not fall into the tricks of the oil barons in order not to create room for oil thieves to hijack and take control of the creeks.

"It may interest you that Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and Maton Engineering Company have not only excelled in curbing oil theft, but have also created numerous job opportunities for Nigerians across various fields, including security, business, engineering, and logistics. Their operations have injected much-needed economic activity into local communities, empowering individuals and families.

"Through their contracts, these companies have demonstrated a commitment to corporate social responsibility, supporting local businesses and promoting economic growth. They've empowered youths and women in the Niger Delta region through skills acquisition programs, contributing to sustainable development projects. Their efforts showcase the potential of private sector-led initiatives in driving economic progress and improving livelihoods. We urge the National Assembly to recognize and support such endeavors, rather than allowing misinformation to undermine their impact.

"We demand that the National Assembly take a critical look at the facts and ignore any attempts to mislead or manipulate the truth. The people of Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole should be grateful to Tantita and Maton Engineering Company for their efforts in combating oil theft. We trust that you will give this matter the attention it deserves," the group stated.

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