The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Hon. (Barr.) Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, has commended the Nigeria Police Force for its critical role in safeguarding the country’s downstream petroleum sector and protecting national infrastructure.
Speaking during a commendation visit to the Inspector-General of Police at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, February 19, 2026, Ugochinyere expressed deep appreciation for the sustained cooperation between the Committee and the Police, describing the partnership as vital to national economic stability.
He noted that the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration and formally presenting a Special Award of Recognition to the Nigeria Police Force for its exceptional contributions to stabilising the downstream petroleum industry.
According to him, security, law enforcement, and stability remain the backbone of the downstream sector, stressing that the Police have played a pivotal role through strategic deployments, intelligence coordination, and rapid response operations.
Ugochinyere highlighted that the Police have helped prevent pipeline vandalism, product diversion, and attacks on storage facilities across several regions. He also acknowledged the Force’s role in providing escorts and ensuring safer transportation of petroleum products, which has reduced incidents of hijacking, theft, and supply disruptions.
He further commended the Police for engaging community leaders and addressing tensions in oil-producing and transit communities, noting that such interventions have improved operational environments and restored confidence among stakeholders.
The lawmaker also praised the collaboration between the Police and regulatory agencies in tackling illegal refining, fuel adulteration, racketeering, and black-market activities, which he said has strengthened the integrity of the formal petroleum market.
Ugochinyere explained that the improved security presence has enabled filling stations in rural and suburban areas to reopen, restoring fuel access, mobility, agricultural logistics, and small-scale economic activities.
“This has given rural dwellers renewed opportunities and reduced product shortages and queues in several regions,” he said.
He stressed that the Committee expects continued support from the Police, particularly in enhancing intelligence-led patrols, responding swiftly to supply disruptions, strengthening cooperation with host communities, and supporting oversight activities nationwide.
The Committee, he said, is also seeking a more structured and proactive partnership, including the establishment of a standing Police Downstream Security Desk, joint operations with regulators, and improved protection of product movement in high-risk areas.
Ugochinyere emphasised that the Police remain a central pillar in Nigeria’s energy security framework, with responsibilities that include ensuring fair product distribution, preventing revenue leakages, maintaining law and order around critical energy infrastructure, and boosting investor confidence in the sector.
He described the award presented to the Nigeria Police Force as a symbol of gratitude, trust, and commitment to sustained collaboration in protecting the nation’s petroleum assets and supporting economic growth.
The lawmaker concluded by appreciating the Inspector-General of Police and officers of the Force for their dedication and service, expressing optimism about stronger cooperation in advancing national energy security..
The IGP expressed appreciation for the committee’s recognition and pledged continued commitment to securing Nigeria’s petroleum infrastructure. He reaffirmed the Force’s readiness to intensify surveillance, enhance intelligence sharing, and strengthen partnerships with sister agencies to ensure uninterrupted supply and investor confidence.
He appealed to the committee to strengthen the legal framework and secure funding for personnel training, the acquisition of surveillance devices, and the welfare of men deployed to protect the downstream sector’s infrastructure.
The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to protecting petroleum resources, restoring stability in vulnerable communities, and ensuring uninterrupted access to energy for all Nigerians
