. As Reps urge FG to pump more funds into pipeline surveillance contracts
Jonas Ezieke, Abuja and Chidimma Uchegbu, Abuja
Troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA have neutralised two terrorists and recovered arms, ammunition and other items during sustained clearance operations in Sokoto State on 15 October 2026.
The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has urged the Federal Government to increase funding for pipeline surveillance, saying the recent rise in crude oil output shows that Nigeria can reach its target of three million barrels per day.
During the operations, according to
Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA in a statement, troops of Sector 2 made contact with terrorists at Waria Forest and engaged them in a firefight, neutralising one terrorist and recovering two AK-47 rifles, two motorcycles and other items.
“In a subsequent encounter at Sarma Village, troops engaged another group of terrorists in a firefight, neutralising one and forcing others to flee, abandoning their equipment.
Further exploitation of the area led to the recovery of six additional motorcycles, two AK-47 rifles, four magazines, 23 rounds of ammunition, one communication device and other sundry items.
These successes underscore the sustained commitment of troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring lasting peace and security across the Joint Operations Area.
The Theatre Command appreciates the continued support and cooperation of members of the public and urges residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest security outpost,” the statement said.
Speaking at the technical briefing of Downstream Week 2026 in Abuja on Monday, the committee’s chairman, Hon. (Barr.) Ikenga Ugochinyere, credited the “very significant increase” in crude output and supply this year largely to improved pipeline surveillance and security.
“Fewer breaches mean less crude lost, more product for our refineries, and more revenue for the Federation,” he said.
After reviewing the outcomes of the technical session, the committee hailed the pipeline surveillance contractors but insisted that more could be achieved. It called on the Executive to raise funding for surveillance in light of the results, and demanded the timely release of logistics and funds to pipeline security operators, warning that delays weaken vigilance on the ground.
The committee expressed confidence that, with timely logistics and full support from the Federal Government, the country would “no doubt” achieve its goal of three million barrels of crude oil per day.
Ugochinyere said the committee was legislating on the non-availability of crude oil to domestic refineries, noting that “a refinery without reliable crude is an investment at risk”. He said the committee would push for stronger laws to support local refineries so that crude supply, fair market access and a stable policy environment are guaranteed by statute.
He also disclosed that the committee, working with the NMDPRA, had overseen a template for a regulated import market that defines who can import and on what terms. Imports, he said, must remain available to close genuine gaps but must not undermine local production.
“Our goal is balance: security of supply today, and a strong domestic refining industry for tomorrow,” the chairman said.
Investigator petition against EVP will be chaired by Hon. Aliyu Ibrahim Al-Mustapha, while Hon. Amobi Ogah will serve as deputy chairman.
Meanwhile, Hon Peter Aniekwe is to chair the subcommittee to investigate NIPCO and his deputy is Hon. Shehu Dalhatu.
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