A growing rift has emerged among former militant leaders in the Niger Delta over the multimillion-naira pipeline surveillance contracts.
According to The PUNCH, at the core of the disagreement is a contract awarded to a company reportedly associated with the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, as well as the renewal of a $144 million deal with Tantita Security Services, owned by prominent ex-militant Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo.
Sources reveal that tensions flared up following recent changes in the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, which has thrown the future of the contracts into uncertainty. This followed the dismissal of the former Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, by President Bola Tinubu and the subsequent appointment of a new executive team.
Tompolo’s Multi-Year Contract
The surveillance contract awarded to Tompolo dates back to the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, encompassing pipeline monitoring, coastal defense, and protection of vital infrastructure across the Niger Delta. It was renewed by NNPCL in October 2024, with expectations of another extension in 2025.
However, grumblings began surfacing in early 2025, as several ex-agitators, believing they should benefit from the Olu of Warri and Tompolo’s contracts, expressed frustration and, according to insiders, have tried to spark unrest.
Some ex-militants accused Tompolo of sidelining others despite pipeline infrastructure running through their ancestral lands. Others questioned the rationale behind awarding pipeline protection in Rivers State to the Olu of Warri.
These simmering tensions may be linked to recent pipeline attacks in Rivers State. On February 10, gunmen ambushed security personnel stationed along a pipeline in Okporowo, Ahoada East LGA. Later, an explosion on the Trans Niger Pipeline in Aluu, Emohua LGA, on March 16, claimed the life of a suspected vandal. Authorities arrested a suspect shortly after.
Two days later, another suspect was apprehended in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA while allegedly trying to sabotage an Oando pipeline using explosives.
Activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju decried the targeted killings of Tantita personnel and urged security forces to act swiftly. “This will not only provide significant economic benefits but also enable us to meet our OPEC quota, which is vital for our national interests,” he said.
Dokubo Speaks Out
One of the most vocal critics of Tompolo’s contract is Asari Dokubo, the monarch of Torusarama Piri (Elem Kalabari) and former militant. In a video posted on March 24 by the verified X account ‘Lord of Warri,’ Dokubo accused Tompolo of greed and exclusion.
“During the time of President Goodluck Jonathan, he awarded a coastal protection contract to Tompolo. A group, including myself, went to meet the former president, and he said the contract was meant for all of us. We tried to communicate with Tompolo, but he said the contract was exclusively his. We did not want to raise an eyebrow. He was given $144m every year and did that contract for three years. He did not give anybody a dime. We did not do anything; we just left him.
“Now, they are lying to people that the Olu of Warri is the one who has the Rivers State pipeline protection contract. It’s a lie. I am talking about Kalabari, not Rivers State. The 83km pipeline that passes through Kalabari, from my native Kula, Elama, to Cawthorne Channel, was included and given to him. And people say he is not a greedy man. A man that took $144m, which the president said was for all of us, vehemently refused to share. Ateke Tom and Boyloaf are witnesses.
“If the Olu of Warri had taken the Rivers State pipeline security contract, what was his approach compared to Tompolo’s? Did Tompolo reach out to anybody when he got the contract? Did the Olu of Warri sit in his palace and ask everybody to come and meet him? No, he did not. You have to humble yourself, interact with others, and make them see reason even if they initially refuse.
“Did Tompolo give anybody part of his contract? Now he brings in the Olu of Warri to whip up sentiment so that people will rise against him. Nobody will do that.
“For those who say they want to come out, do so when you are ready. Isn’t one of you using the military to arrest and kill people? You can’t fight; you are using the military to chase people. No military will chase me. Know that. If we are going to fight, it is me and you.”
An aide to a former militant leader suggested the video was recorded some time ago. Nonetheless, the statement accompanying the post claimed Tompolo had monopolized the contract.
The X user argued that the Olu of Warri’s firm only operates in Itsekiri and Ilaje areas and that his involvement had uplifted the region.
“If you’re bringing up the Olu’s contract, let’s be clear—that’s in Rivers State, not Delta State. It wasn’t until last year that the Olu’s contract expanded to cover some Itsekiri and Ilaje areas. The Itsekiris, Urhobos, Isokos, and Ijaws were all brought on board by PINL (Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited).
“Over 60% of unemployed youths are getting monthly paychecks thanks to the Olu of Warri. And let’s correct something—when the Bayelsa and Rivers State contracts were awarded to the company where the Olu was chairman, he wasn’t even the Olu yet. Plus, he didn’t go around kidnapping or unlawfully detaining people like a certain security service has done—and still does—which, by the way, isn’t even part of their contract.
“The Olu didn’t demand that anyone grovel at his feet; he split the contract with stakeholders so the protection could run smoothly in those areas without drama. He didn’t hoard it all for himself. Tantita doesn’t even come close to PINL. No human rights abuses, no shady nonsense. Ask the Ijaws, Ogonis, Ibibios, and Ikwerres who have worked with the Olu—not a single complaint. Anything you hear otherwise is just political noise from rival contractors trying to stir the pot.”
Accusations and Denials
A source among the ex-militants confirmed that the contracts awarded to Tompolo and the Olu of Warri had created significant friction.
He mentioned that Tompolo faced opposition from former militants like Dokubo, Ateke Tom, and Boyloaf, while his loyalists criticized the Olu of Warri’s involvement in pipeline protection within Rivers State.
“The Olu of Warri’s contract extends to parts of Rivers and Akwa Ibom states. It is a multi-billion naira contract, and some people are protesting because they believe the contract should have been awarded to an indigene of Rivers State,” the source said.
While some have blamed Tantita personnel for inciting violence against rival contractors, advocacy groups like the Niger Delta Renaissance Network and Niger Delta Environmental Justice Coalition defended the company, alleging a smear campaign.
“These orchestrated character assassinations are not merely unfounded; they threaten to derail the critical efforts of Tompolo and his team,” said Abalagha Adawari of the NDEJC.
Tantita’s spokesperson, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, also dismissed the allegations.
“Tantita cannot attack any surveillance workers, and we are not involved in any criminal activities. Also, there is no conflict between Tompolo and the Olu of Warri,” he said.
Another top Tantita official downplayed the controversy, saying anyone aggrieved should approach the NNPCL. “The contract was renewed last year, and I don’t think it makes any sense for anybody to be raising an eyebrow now… The video you’re referring to is old,” he said.
He also rejected claims that Tompolo’s team was targeting the Olu of Warri’s allies, noting, “The killing of our security personnel is part of the hazard of the job. I don’t think it has anything to do with any crisis or division.”
Retired police officer August Onyewadume urged former militants to avoid further destruction of oil assets, highlighting the environmental and economic toll.
“Tompolo is an Ijaw man. Let the contract go round. The government should have a roundtable discussion with them (ex-militant leaders) and identify those who can handle the pipeline job so there will be no problem, because others feel they are not being carried along,” he stated.
While attempts to reach the Olu of Warri for comments proved unsuccessful, the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, High Chief Oma Eyewuoma, directed inquiries to Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL).
“Direct your enquiry to the managing director of the company. The palace does not work with the company. The company is completely different from the palace, and it is not the responsibility of the palace to talk about any matter concerning the company,” he said.
Efforts to reach PINL for a response were unsuccessful, as calls to the listed contact numbers went unanswered.
