Tensions Ignite In Niger Delta As Ex-Militants Trade Blows Over Mega Pipeline Contracts

Tensions Mount as Ex-Militant Leaders Clash Over Multibillion-Naira Pipeline Protection Contracts in Niger Delta....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Disagreements have erupted among ex-militant leaders in the Niger Delta over the allocation and renewal of lucrative pipeline protection contracts, sparking tensions and fears of escalating violence in the region.

At the heart of the conflict is a high-stakes contract awarded to a company reportedly linked to the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, alongside a separate $144 million pipeline surveillance deal given to Tantita Security Services, owned by ex-militant commander Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

Sources told Punch that the controversy intensified following the renewed contract with Tantita and the awarding of another surveillance deal involving the Olu of Warri’s interests. The renewed contract with Tantita, originally granted during the Goodluck Jonathan administration, was extended in October 2024 by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

The extension has caused unrest among rival ex-militant leaders who feel excluded from the billion-naira deals, despite the pipelines traversing their territories.

Compounding the issue is a recent leadership shakeup at the NNPCL, triggered by President Bola Tinubu’s removal of former Group CEO Mele Kyari and the appointment of a new management team—leaving the future of the contracts hanging in the balance.

Tantita Security Services, which is pushing for contract renewal into 2025, now faces growing opposition from other ex-agitators. Some of these leaders accuse Tompolo of cornering the contracts without fair representation or inclusion.

This deepening rift has coincided with a surge in violent incidents targeting oil facilities. In one such attack on February 10, unknown gunmen ambushed security operatives guarding pipelines in the Okporowo area of Igbu Orlukwor clan, Ahoada East LGA. Days later, on March 16, an explosion rocked the Trans Niger Pipeline in Aluu, Emohua LGA, claiming the life of a suspected vandal.

On March 18, another suspect was arrested with explosives while allegedly attempting to sabotage a pipeline owned by Oando in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.

Amid these developments, human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju, speaking to Punch, condemned the killing of Tantita personnel and called on security agencies to urgently track down those responsible.

“This situation demands swift action,” Adeyanju said. “Securing our pipelines not only safeguards the economy but also ensures Nigeria can meet its OPEC output targets—critical for national stability and growth.”