Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), the private security firm owned by Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has entered into a major agreement with American defence company, Textron Systems, for the supply of advanced surveillance drones to strengthen the fight against oil theft.
Under the deal, Textron Systems will provide three Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). The drones are capable of taking off and landing vertically without runways, using hybrid quadrotor technology that allows them to operate seamlessly in both VTOL and fixed-wing modes.
In a statement published on its website and dated December 29, 2025, Textron disclosed that the drones will be delivered in a fully ITAR-free configuration, making them suitable for international export. The company added that the agreement includes options for additional aircraft and comprehensive training support to enable Tantita to expand its operational capacity over time.
Describing the deal, David Phillips, Senior Vice President of Air, Land and Sea Systems at Textron, said the Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS would significantly enhance Tantita’s security operations.
“The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS is a mature, highly reliable and industry-proven autonomous solution that will provide Tantita Security Services with transformational capability to execute their security operations,” Phillips said.
“The system’s proven performance and benchmark-setting reliability will enable the Tantita team to strengthen protection of critical oil and gas infrastructure that is vital to Nigeria’s security and economic prosperity.”
Textron noted that the contract builds on the Aerosonde system’s extensive operational history in demanding environments worldwide, including deployments from more than 10 United States Navy ships. With the ability to carry multiple payloads, the platform has accumulated over 700,000 flight hours globally.
According to the company, the sale marks a significant boost for security operations in Nigeria, particularly in high-risk areas where oil and gas assets remain vulnerable to sabotage and theft. Textron also highlighted provisions for future acquisitions and training aimed at improving Tantita’s operational readiness.
Tantita Security Services, a recognised provider of security solutions in Nigeria, is expected to deploy the drones for surveillance, rapid response, and infrastructure protection missions. The systems are projected to improve situational awareness and operational effectiveness across the Niger Delta and other sensitive regions.
The agreement further reflects the growing adoption of uncrewed systems in both national and corporate security operations, as stakeholders increasingly turn to advanced technology to safeguard critical infrastructure.
Textron Systems, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., is a global leader in uncrewed air, surface, and land systems, alongside a wide range of aerospace, defence, and industrial products. The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS represents one of its latest autonomous platforms designed for reliable performance in diverse and challenging conditions.
While delivery timelines were not disclosed, Tantita officials are expected to unveil deployment plans for the drones in the coming months.
