Textron Systems To Supply Advanced Surveillance Drones To Tantita
AMERICAN defence technology giant, Textron Systems, has entered into an agreement to supply state-of-the-art surveillance drones to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, the private security outfit contracted by the Federal Government to safeguard critical oil and gas assets in the Niger Delta.
Under the arrangement, Textron Systems will deliver three Aerosonde Mk 4.7 Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) drones to Tantita, a company owned by Niger Delta security contractor and ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
The Aerosonde Mk 4.7 is a high-end tactical drone built for long-endurance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Its VTOL capability allows it to take off and land in tight spaces without a runway—an advantage in monitoring creeks, mangroves, swamps and offshore terrain that define the Niger Delta.
Security analysts say the deployment of the drones is expected to significantly boost Tantita’s operational reach, especially in detecting pipeline breaches, tracking crude oil theft syndicates and curbing economic sabotage that has undermined Nigeria’s oil output for years. The drones can fly for extended hours and relay real-time video and data to control stations.
News of the acquisition has triggered mixed reactions across social media. Supporters described the deal as a “welcome development” that will strengthen the security of national oil installations. Critics, however, urged the Federal Government to enforce strict oversight, warning that advanced military-grade technology in the hands of private contractors requires robust regulation to prevent misuse.
Tantita Security Services has been a key player in Nigeria’s renewed oil pipeline surveillance push, with government officials crediting the firm for improved crude oil production outputs following intensified monitoring of waterways and critical infrastructure.
