Tompolo’s Tantita Secures Advanced American Drones to Intensify Fight Against Oil Theft
American defence manufacturer Textron Systems has entered into a strategic agreement to supply advanced surveillance drones to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), a private security firm owned by Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, as part of intensified efforts to curb crude oil theft and protect critical energy infrastructure.
PulseNets learnt that the deal covers the delivery of three Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft systems, designed to operate without conventional runways and capable of both vertical and fixed-wing flight operations.
According to information obtained by PulseNets, Textron Systems confirmed the development in a statement published on its official website on December 29, 2025. The company disclosed that the drones will be supplied in a fully ITAR-free configuration, a move aimed at easing international export and deployment processes.
The defence firm explained that the Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 utilises hybrid quadrotor technology, allowing it to take off and land vertically while maintaining long-endurance fixed-wing flight once airborne. Textron also revealed that the agreement includes options for additional aircraft units and comprehensive training support to enable Tantita expand its operational scope.
Speaking on the partnership, David Phillips, Senior Vice President of Air, Land and Sea Systems at Textron, said the platform would significantly boost Tantita’s security operations.
“The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL is a proven and highly dependable autonomous system that offers Tantita a game-changing capability in executing complex security missions across difficult terrains,” Phillips told PulseNets.
“Its strong performance record and unmatched reliability will help the Tantita team enhance protection of Nigeria’s vital oil and gas infrastructure, which remains critical to national security and economic stability.”
PulseNets reported that the contract builds on the Aerosonde platform’s extensive operational history across some of the world’s most demanding environments, including deployments from more than ten United States Navy vessels. The system is capable of carrying multiple sensor payloads and has reportedly logged over 700,000 flight hours across global operations.
Textron Systems noted that the transaction represents a major upgrade to security operations within Nigeria’s high-risk energy corridors, particularly in regions where oil and gas facilities are frequently targeted by vandals and crude oil thieves.
The company further stated that provisions have been made for future acquisitions and advanced training programmes aimed at strengthening Tantita’s operational readiness and response capacity.
Industry observers who spoke to PulseNets believe Tantita Security Services is expected to deploy the Aerosonde systems for wide-area surveillance, rapid response coordination, and critical infrastructure protection, particularly across the Niger Delta and other sensitive zones.
The development highlights the increasing adoption of uncrewed aerial systems in both national and corporate security strategies, signalling a broader shift toward technology-driven solutions for safeguarding critical economic assets.
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Textron Systems, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., operates globally across aerospace, defence, and industrial markets, with a strong portfolio in uncrewed air, land, and maritime systems. The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS is regarded as one of its most advanced autonomous platforms, engineered for reliable performance in complex and hostile environments.
While delivery timelines for the drones were not disclosed, PulseNets learnt that Tantita officials are expected to unveil deployment and operational plans in the coming months.
