The Nigeria Customs Service has transferred 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intercepted during an anti-smuggling operation in Katsina State to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for proper distribution.
The fuel, contained in a truck bearing registration number SBA 146 SA, was intercepted by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service’s Operation Whirlwind along the Kano–Jigawa route at Birnin Kuka in Mashi Local Government Area after it was allegedly conveying diverted petroleum products in violation of existing regulations.
Speaking during the handover on Wednesday at the Katsina Area Command Headquarters, the Deputy Comptroller of Customs in charge of Operation Whirlwind, Aliyu Abubakar, said the interception was made possible through credible intelligence and the vigilance of officers deployed to the special enforcement operation.
Abubakar said the seizure underscored the Customs Service’s determination to enforce government policies aimed at preventing the illegal diversion and smuggling of petroleum products, noting that such activities undermine national energy security and frustrate efforts to ensure equitable fuel distribution across the country.
He stressed that Operation Whirlwind would continue to identify, intercept and prosecute individuals involved in the diversion and smuggling of petroleum products in accordance with the law, adding that intelligence-driven operations remain central to the initiative’s success.
The Deputy Comptroller also acknowledged the support of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for providing strategic coordination that has strengthened the effectiveness of Operation Whirlwind.
He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and the Katsina Area Command for their leadership and institutional support, while praising officers attached to the operation for their professionalism, commitment and dedication.
Receiving the truck and its cargo on behalf of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Katsina State Coordinator of the Authority, Muhammad Umar, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring that petroleum products allocated for Nigerians are delivered strictly to their approved destinations in compliance with regulatory procedures.
Umar confirmed receipt of the 45,000 litres of PMS and assured that the product would be transported to its designated destination without delay, ensuring it reaches the communities and consumers for whom it was originally allocated.
He said the Authority would continue to work closely with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security and regulatory agencies to curb the diversion of petroleum products, safeguard government interventions in the downstream petroleum sector and strengthen the efficient distribution of fuel nationwide.
According to him, sustained collaboration among relevant agencies is critical to preventing supply disruptions, protecting national resources and ensuring that petroleum products are available to legitimate consumers across the country.
Also speaking, the Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Katsina Area Command, M.S. Musa, reiterated the Command’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s campaign against fuel smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage through intelligence-led operations, enhanced border surveillance and sustained inter-agency collaboration.
He said the Command would continue to deploy available resources and strengthen cooperation with relevant stakeholders to protect Nigeria’s borders and prevent activities capable of undermining the country’s economic and energy security.
Operation Whirlwind is a special enforcement initiative of the Nigeria Customs Service established to combat the illegal diversion and smuggling of petroleum products, protect strategic national resources, strengthen energy security and ensure petroleum products reach legitimate consumers across Nigeria.