…Intercepted along Jibia Road with fake documents — Officials
By Ogalah Ibrahim
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over a tanker laden with 60,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in Katsina, following its interception by officers of Operation Whirlwind.
The tanker, with registration number KBT 226 XA, was seized on September 30, 2025, along the Jibia Road for allegedly operating with fake documents and a forged manifest — an act authorities believe was an attempt to smuggle the product out of the country.
During the official handover on Thursday, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Kola Oladeji — represented by Assistant Comptroller of Customs S. I. Yahaya, Commander in charge of the Kano/Jigawa and Katsina axis — said the interception aligned with the ongoing efforts to curb the diversion of petroleum products.
“This handover underscores our determination to support national energy security and collaborate effectively with sister agencies like the NMDPRA,” Oladeji stated.
“Together, we are sending a strong message that economic sabotage through fuel diversion will not be tolerated.”
He explained that Operation Whirlwind was established specifically to combat the smuggling of petroleum products and ensure that fuel meant for domestic consumption remains within the country.
Receiving the tanker, the Katsina State Coordinator of the NMDPRA, represented by Engineer A. M. Mohammed, commended the Customs Service for its vigilance and cooperation.
“We appreciate the proactive role of the Customs Service in intercepting illegal movements of petroleum products,” he said.
“Such synergy is vital for sanitising the downstream petroleum sector and ensuring accountability and compliance.”
The tanker and its contents have been transferred to the NMDPRA for further investigation and regulatory action in line with established procedures.
The Customs Service reaffirmed its commitment to combating smuggling and economic sabotage, urging members of the public to support security agencies by providing credible information on suspicious activities.
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