Diversion: Customs ‘Operation Whirlwind’ Intercepts 2 Suspected Fuel Tankers In Sokoto

*Reiterates resolve against smuggling, other illicit activities

By; SULEIMAN ADAMU, Sokoto

The Nigerian Customs Service Operation Whirlwind Zone B has intercepted and handed over two fuel laden tankers with 60,000 litres each suspected of diversion of petroleum products to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Department of Petroleum Regulatory Authority reiterating resolve to remain resolute at curbing smuggling and other illicit activities that assaults national development, energy security and citizens welfare.

It stressed that the era of impunity in the petroleum sector is over, stating that, “Together we will protect the life blood of our economy and uphold the rule of law.”

The National Coordinator, Operation Whirlwind, ACG Finance, Administration and Special Duties, Kola Oladeji Folio stated on Friday, while handing over the tankers intercepted on October 4, 2025 with registration numbers DKW 309 XA and GSW 321 XA respectively to the Coordinator Sokoto and Kebbi state NMDPRA , Mr Ali Ajimi at the Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command Office of the NCS.

” The NSC operation whirlwind remains resolute in its mission to detect, deter and dismantle such illicit activities where they occur.”

He explained that the tanker with registration number DKW309 XA was intercepted at the Illela axis of Sokoto State, while the second tanker was intercepted on the Gusau-Kano road by the NCS Operation Whirlwind Zone B operatives upon intelligence gathering.

” The tankers were containing 60,000 litres each suspected to be gagged for irregular routing and documentation anomalies that contravened extant petroleum laws and regulations.

” The handing over is not merely procedural, but a decisive step to enable the NMDPRA commence immediate regulatory action, conduct forensic verification and apply appropriate sanction as prescribed by law”, Oladeji said.

He continued with concerns, “fuel diversion is not just an economic crime, it is a direct assault on national economy , energy security and welfare of citizens.”

While reaffirming readiness of the NCS Operation Whirlwind to collaborate with NMDPRA , Oladeji noted with acknowledgment the resilience, vigilance and commitment of the zone B Operation Whirlwind stressing that, NCS and other agencies would strengthen synergy to ensure perpetrators of such practice were held accountable for the restoration of regulatory compliance.

Oladeji thanked the CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s management team for its unwavering support and office if the NSA under the leadership of Malam Nuhu Ribadu for strategic guidance and policy support to addressing security challenges in Nigeria.

” We sincerely commend NMDPRA for its technical expertise against systemic challenges in the petroleum supply chain and Nigerian patriots for standing with Customs mission to dismantling smuggling networks and bringing economic saboteurs to justice.

” Together we will protect the life blood of our economy and uphold the rule of law ”