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Warri Indigenous People’s Movement Accuses Tantita Security of Oppression, Calls for Contract Review
Joel Ajayi
The Warri Indigenous People’s Movement (WIPM) has condemned what it described as a campaign of oppression, intimidation, and illegal annexation of Itsekiri communities by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, operated by ex-militant leader Mr. Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
In a statement signed by WIPM Chairman, Hon. Kingsley Tenumah, and General Secretary, Comrade Monoyo Edon, the group criticized what it called a deliberate attempt by Tompolo and his associates to divert attention from a peaceful protest and formal petition submitted by the group in Abuja on June 18, 2025.
The protest highlighted alleged abuses and contract violations by Tantita Security in the Warri area of Delta State.
WIPM clarified that their opposition is not rooted in ethnicity or Tompolo’s Ijaw background, noting that many Itsekiris have previously supported his security contract.
However, the group insists the current issue is about the misuse of power and the alleged deviation from the original purpose of the surveillance contract.
“We are not against Tompolo’s contract. But what we oppose is the use of that contract as a tool for land annexation, unlawful arrests, and ethnic subjugation,” the statement read.
The group expressed disappointment at some Itsekiris working with Tantita, accusing them of compromising the interest of their people in exchange for financial benefits.
“They have chosen personal gain over the welfare of the Itsekiri people. Their defense of Tantita’s activities in our communities is both shameless and hypocritical,” the statement added.
According to WIPM, Tantita operatives have been involved in forceful invasions of communities such as Usor, Tisun, Ajelebe, Akpata, Kantu, and Ijaghala—allegedly arresting residents, torturing them, and attempting to erase their Itsekiri identity.
The group also alleged that Tantita operatives recently arrested workers from a telecom firm, Globacom, who were working in Kantu, an Itsekiri community. They further claimed that during the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ward delineation exercise, in collaboration with some government officials, there were attempts to rename and reassign Itsekiri communities to Ijaw identities.
“These actions not only threaten our people but also violate Section 257 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which holds host communities responsible for the protection of oil assets within their domain,” the statement said.
WIPM argued that continued operations by Tantita in the Warri area will lead to further unrest, urging President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government to reassign the surveillance contract in the area to competent Itsekiri security outfits.
“This is not a call against contracts for other ethnic groups. It is a call against annexation, abuse of power, and ethnic intimidation. Our communities deserve protection and respect, not subjugation under the guise of security operations,” the statement concluded.
WIPM vowed to resist what it described as an ongoing attempt to undermine the Itsekiri political and economic identity, while calling for fairness, transparency, and accountability in the allocation and execution of security contracts in the Niger Delta.
Featured
Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support
Joel Ajayi
Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.
More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.
The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.
Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.
The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.
Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.
Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.
Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.
Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.
The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.
Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.
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