By Oluyinka Onigbinde
In a major boost to Nigeria’s maritime security architecture, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has handed over 15 newly acquired gunboats to the Nigerian Armed Forces to strengthen operations against oil theft, piracy, and other criminal activities in the nation’s waterways.
The commissioning and handover ceremony was held on Thursday at the Nigerian Navy Boatyard in Port Harcourt, drawing top military officials, representatives of Tantita Security Services, and dignitaries from Rivers State.
Under the arrangement, seven of the gunboats were handed over to the Nigerian Army, while the remaining eight were presented to the Nigerian Navy to support ongoing joint security operations across the Niger Delta and Nigeria’s coastal waters.
Tantita Security Services, headquartered in Effurun, is known for its role in protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure through pipeline surveillance, paramilitary escorts, and maritime security operations.
Speaking during the ceremony, officials highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration in tackling maritime crimes and protecting Nigeria’s economic assets. They noted that the deployment of the new gunboats would significantly improve surveillance, rapid response capabilities, and deterrence against criminal networks operating within the maritime domain.
Nigeria’s waterways have continued to face threats from illegal bunkering, crude oil theft, smuggling, and piracy, particularly in the Niger Delta region. Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that the additional operational assets would enhance the readiness of security agencies and improve safety for both commercial and civilian maritime activities.
