At least 15 personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have lost their lives over the years while combating oil theft in the Niger Delta, a fact highlighted during the donation of a state-of-the-art Hydrocarbon and Maritime Command and Control Centre by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited. The donation, announced on Thursday, aims to enhance national security and protect Nigeria’s critical economic assets.
The facility represents a major technological leap for the NSCDC, allowing real-time monitoring and protection of key infrastructure. The unveiling took place at the Corps’ national headquarters in Abuja as part of activities marking this year’s World Civil Defence Day. Commandant General Professor Ahmed Audi commissioned the Centre alongside other projects initiated through public-private partnerships, including the NSCDC Fire Station, a VIP Centre for the Special Protection Unit donated by Zuma Energy Nigeria Limited, and a 24-unit staff quarters.
Professor Audi emphasised the transformative power of data in national development, noting that the new facility is designed to enhance NSCDC operations in hydrocarbon and maritime security. He explained that the centre will operate in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and partners like Tantita to monitor illegal oil taps in the Niger Delta. The facility is expected to foster intelligence sharing among agencies, ensuring prompt action on verified information.
Captain Waredi Enisuoh, Executive Director of Technical and Operations at Tantita Security Services, represented Managing Director High Chief Kestin Ebimorbowei at the event. He described the partnership as “inevitable” and aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s vision to strengthen security frameworks and harness Nigeria’s full economic potential. According to Enisuoh, the Centre extends NSCDC surveillance capabilities both on land and in the skies, enabling real-time event management and operational oversight.
Highlighting the human cost of protecting the nation’s assets, Enisuoh revealed that at least 15 NSCDC personnel have died while fighting oil theft in the Niger Delta. He stated, “If somebody in uniform is willing to die to keep you alive, I don’t know how you are going to measure that.” The donations, he added, are aimed at eliminating illegal oil bunkering and securing the maritime value chain for the benefit of the country.
