December 7, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
The Nigerian Army has ordered the immediate withdrawal of soldiers reportedly attached to Idowu Asonja, the Ondo State Coordinator of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
The directive follows reports that some soldiers had been accompanying Asonja to non-official engagements, including social events, nightlife outings, palace visits, and political gatherings. The Army described these activities as unauthorised, stating that no personnel were approved to serve as personal escorts or bodyguards to the coordinator.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Army emphasized that soldiers deployed to Ondo State were assigned strictly for pipeline and riverine security operations, not private protection. The military authorities noted that the presence of soldiers around the coordinator in non-operational settings was inconsistent with established procedures and disciplinary standards.
The order comes amid rising tension in parts of Okitipupa Local Government, where youths and community groups had protested what they described as the “misuse” of military personnel. Recent incidents, including confrontations involving Tantita workers and traditional institutions, heightened calls for the Army to intervene and restore neutrality in local security operations.
Residents also raised concerns over allegations of unpaid salaries and internal disputes involving some Tantita workers, which reportedly contributed to unrest in the area.
The Army stated that all affected soldiers must return immediately to their designated operational bases, warning that any personnel found violating deployment guidelines in the future would face disciplinary action.
The directive is expected to ease community tensions and reinforce the boundary between official security duties and private activities within the region.
