Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Ogun State Police Command has pledged stronger security measures to protect petroleum distribution facilities, gas infrastructure and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) installations across the state amid concerns over activities capable of undermining energy supply and economic stability.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, gave the assurance on Tuesday while receiving the State Coordinator of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Dr Atilola Simeon Akinyemi, and members of his management team at the Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta.
Ojajuni said the Command would strengthen intelligence sharing and operational cooperation with the regulatory authority to tackle vandalism, theft, illegal petroleum operations and other forms of economic sabotage targeting critical energy infrastructure.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, DSP Oluseyi B. Babas e yi, the meeting focused on improving security around petroleum distribution facilities, gas installations and other strategic energy assets across the state.
During the visit, Akinyemi outlined the NMDPRA’s regulatory responsibilities under the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, particularly its oversight of Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sectors.
He stressed the importance of collaboration between regulatory authorities and security agencies in ensuring compliance, protecting investments and supporting economic growth.
The NMDPRA coordinator also commended the police for their support in securing petroleum-related operations and sought a stronger operational partnership to address regulatory, technical and security concerns.
Responding, Ojajuni acknowledged the authority’s role in the petroleum industry and emphasised the need to protect critical infrastructure from activities that could disrupt operations, threaten public safety and weaken economic stability.
Drawing on his previous operational experience involving the regulatory framework of the then Department of Petroleum Resources in Yola, Adamawa State, the police commissioner underscored the importance of law enforcement in deterring economic sabotage and creating a secure environment for legitimate business activities.
He assured the delegation that the Command would provide appropriate security support within the law while respecting the statutory responsibilities of both institutions.
Ojajuni said safeguarding energy infrastructure was essential to investor confidence, industrial productivity and economic development, particularly in Ogun State, which hosts significant industrial and commercial activities.
However, the effectiveness of the proposed partnership will depend on sustained intelligence-led operations, timely responses to reported threats and effective enforcement against those involved in infrastructure vandalism and illegal petroleum activities.
The police urged industry operators and members of the public to report suspicious activities around petroleum facilities and other critical infrastructure through appropriate security channels.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to proactive policing and inter-agency cooperation to protect lives, property and legitimate economic activities across Ogun State.
About the Author
