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Textron Systems to Supply Advanced Surveillance Drones to Tantita Security in Niger Delta
American defense technology firm Textron Systems has signed a deal to supply advanced surveillance drones to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, the private security company engaged by the Federal Government of Nigeria to protect critical oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta.
Under the agreement, 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 former Niger Delta militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
The Aerosonde Mk 4.7 is a tactical drone designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Its VTOL capabilities allow it to take off and land in confined areas without runways, making it particularly suited for Nigeria’s challenging terrains, including creeks, swamps, and offshore oil facilities.
Experts say the drones are expected to enhance Tantita’s monitoring capacity, particularly in tracking pipeline vandalism, oil theft, and economic sabotage, which have long affected Nigeria’s oil-producing regions.
The drones can operate for extended periods, transmit real-time imagery, and feed data directly to ground control stations, providing authorities with actionable intelligence.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions online. Some Nigerians welcomed the development, describing it as a boost to pipeline protection and a potential reduction in crude oil theft. Others expressed concern over military-grade technology being placed in private hands, emphasizing the need for strict oversight and regulation to prevent potential misuse.
Tantita Security Services has been a key player in Nigeria’s oil pipeline surveillance programme, with reports indicating improvements in crude oil production following intensified monitoring of critical infrastructure. The addition of advanced drones is expected to further strengthen Nigeria’s efforts to safeguard its oil assets.