A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) staged a peaceful protest on Wednesday in Lagos, condemning alleged human rights abuses, torture, and illegal detentions by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited in the Niger Delta region.
Speaking after the demonstration at Shoprite, Alausa, the Convener, Comrade Abe Emmanuel, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to investigate the allegations and put an end to the reported abuses.
Calls for Justice and Government Intervention
According to Emmanuel, the Tinubu administration has prioritized economic reforms, rule of law, and human rights, making these allegations even more concerning.
“From the onset, your administration has promised renewed hope—not just in economic growth and infrastructure but also in human capital development. Protecting human rights is a key part of that development,” he said.
The coalition claims to have received multiple petitions detailing cases of torture, arbitrary arrests, and illegal detentions at a facility allegedly run by Tantita Security Services, a company contracted solely for pipeline protection.
Allegations of Illegal Detention
The group cited a specific case involving Jolomi Abechukwu and his friend Bade, who were allegedly arrested on December 2, 2024, and held in captivity at Oporoza, where Tantita is said to operate an illegal detention center. The duo was reportedly released in January 2025.
“As law-abiding youths, we do not believe that a pipeline surveillance contract gives a private security company the power to arrest and detain citizens—powers that belong solely to Nigeria’s security agencies,” Emmanuel stated.
Violation of Constitutional and Human Rights
The CSOs argue that these alleged arrests violate Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Emmanuel further urged the federal government and international human rights organizations to intervene, warning that if left unchecked, youths in the Niger Delta will continue to suffer illegal detentions and human rights violations.
“We refuse to believe that President Tinubu, whose administration is building a reputation for due process, is aware of these grave violations. We urge him to act swiftly to stop these abuses and protect innocent citizens from the arbitrary actions of Tantita Security Services,” he concluded.
The coalition demands an immediate investigation and justice for victims of alleged unlawful detentions and torture.
