The Ogun State Police Command has pledged to strengthen security around petroleum distribution facilities, compressed natural gas (CNG) installations and other critical energy infrastructure to prevent vandalism, theft and economic sabotage.
The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, gave the assurance when he received the state coordinator of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Atilola Simeon Akinyemi, and members of the authority’s management team at the command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.
According to a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, the meeting focused on strengthening inter-agency cooperation, improving operational coordination and enhancing security around strategic petroleum and gas facilities across the state.
Ojajuni said the command would intensify intelligence sharing and collaboration with relevant agencies to protect critical energy assets, while ensuring that all security operations remained within the confines of the law.
He stressed that safeguarding strategic infrastructure was essential to investor confidence, industrial productivity and economic development, particularly in Ogun State, which is one of Nigeria’s major industrial centres.
The police commissioner warned against activities capable of undermining public safety and economic stability, including the vandalism of petroleum facilities, theft and illegal operations.
He also assured the NMDPRA delegation that the command would continue to provide appropriate security support to regulatory agencies in the discharge of their lawful responsibilities.
Speaking during the visit, Akinyemi outlined the NMDPRA’s regulatory responsibilities under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, which provides the legal framework for regulating Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sectors.
He noted that effective regulation, backed by collaboration with security agencies, was crucial to protecting energy investments, ensuring compliance with industry standards and promoting economic growth.
Akinyemi commended the Ogun State Police Command for its support in securing petroleum-related operations and infrastructure, while calling for a stronger operational partnership to address regulatory, technical and security challenges confronting the sector.
In his response, Ojajuni drew on his previous operational experience with the regulatory framework of the then Department of Petroleum Resources in Yola, Adamawa State, to emphasise the importance of law enforcement in deterring economic sabotage and creating a secure environment for legitimate business activities.
He further stressed that cooperation between the police and regulatory authorities must respect the statutory responsibilities and mandates of both institutions.
The commissioner expressed confidence that closer collaboration would enhance the protection of strategic energy assets and strengthen security across Ogun State.
The command urged industry operators and members of the public to report suspicious activities around petroleum facilities and other critical infrastructure through appropriate security channels.
It reiterated its commitment to proactive policing, lawful enforcement and sustained collaboration with relevant agencies to protect lives, property and legitimate economic activities across the state.
