Kamilu Lawal, Katsina
The he Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) under its special task force, Operation Whirlwind, has handed over a tanker loaded with 60,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to officials of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in Katsina.
The official handover, which took place on Thursday, November 7, 2025, followed the interception of the tanker — bearing registration number KBT 226 XA — during a coordinated patrol along Jibia Road in Katsina on September 30, 2025. The vehicle was impounded over alleged fake manifests and improper documentation, raising suspicion that it was being diverted toward the border for smuggling.
Speaking during the handover, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs Kola Oladeji, represented by Assistant Comptroller S. I. Yahaya, reaffirmed the Service’s unwavering resolve to protect the nation’s economic interests and ensure petroleum products meant for domestic use do not end up in neighbouring countries.
“This handover underscores our determination to support national energy security and collaborate effectively with sister agencies like the NMDPRA. Together, we are sending a clear message that economic sabotage through fuel diversion will not be tolerated,” Oladeji stated.
Receiving the tanker, the State Coordinator of NMDPRA, represented by Engineer A. M. Mohammed, commended the Customs Service for its vigilance and synergy, describing inter-agency cooperation as vital in sanitizing the downstream petroleum sector.
“We appreciate the proactive role of the Customs Service in intercepting illegal movements of petroleum products. NMDPRA remains committed to ensuring proper monitoring, accountability, and compliance within the sector,” he added.
The seized tanker and its contents have been officially transferred to NMDPRA custody for further regulatory action in line with established procedures.
The Nigeria Customs Service Operation Whirlwind reiterated its commitment to curbing smuggling, safeguarding national energy resources, and upholding the integrity of the petroleum distribution network. The Service also urged the public to continue providing credible intelligence to aid its enforcement operations.
