Customs Hands Over Five Tankers Carrying Suspected Diverted Petroleum Products to NMDPRA
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its Operation Whirlwind, has handed over five tanker trucks conveying suspected diverted Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for further investigation and necessary regulatory action.
The five trucks, with registration numbers BBR 634 XA, BRK 828 MF, YLA 243 XU, KTN 278 XZ and MUS 134 BX, were intercepted by operatives of Operation Whirlwind on 6 July 2026 at about 11pm following credible intelligence.
The trucks were subsequently deposited at Tasha Joli, opposite the 33 Military Barracks in Maiduguri, Borno State, where preliminary checks were conducted on the petroleum products suspected to have been diverted and transloaded.
The findings from the initial checks raised concerns about possible irregularities and regulatory infractions, prompting the handover to the NMDPRA for further investigation and appropriate administrative action.
Speaking during the handover ceremony on Friday, 23 October 2026, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind said the exercise was conducted on the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
He said the interception demonstrated the Customs Service’s determination to tackle the illegal movement, diversion and smuggling of petroleum products through intelligence-led enforcement operations and collaboration with relevant government agencies.
According to him, the operation reflects the importance of intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement in protecting Nigeria’s petroleum resources from activities that threaten the integrity of the supply chain.
The coordinator warned individuals and syndicates involved in the illegal diversion and smuggling of petroleum products that the authorities were intensifying efforts to track down and disrupt their activities.
He declared that the tide was turning against petroleum smuggling, illegal diversion and associated economic crimes, stressing that Operation Whirlwind would sustain its enforcement activities across its operational areas.
“Operation Whirlwind remains steadfast in its commitment to proactive, intelligence-led operations and decisive enforcement,” he said.
He added that the operation would continue to identify, track and intercept illicit activities, dismantle smuggling networks and intensify efforts to curb the illegal movement and diversion of petroleum products wherever such activities occurred.
The coordinator, however, assured the public that enforcement activities would be conducted professionally, in strict compliance with the law and in accordance with established procedures.
He said the handover was part of broader efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight and ensure that petroleum products were distributed and utilised in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
The involvement of the NMDPRA in the investigation is expected to enable the relevant authorities to examine the circumstances surrounding the movement of the products and determine whether regulatory violations occurred.
The coordinator also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs and the management team of the NCS for their continued support for Operation Whirlwind.
He acknowledged the contributions of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the NMDPRA and personnel of Operation Whirlwind, praising their diligence, professionalism and commitment to duty.
He said cooperation among the agencies remained critical to addressing the challenges associated with petroleum product diversion, smuggling and other activities capable of undermining the country’s economic interests.
According to him, the Federal Government remains committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s petroleum resources and ensuring that these strategic national assets are managed and utilised for the benefit of Nigerians.
He further disclosed that Operation Whirlwind would continue to enhance its surveillance capabilities, strengthen intelligence gathering, deepen inter-agency collaboration and intensify enforcement operations across its areas of responsibility.
The coordinator maintained that sustained vigilance and coordinated action were necessary to protect the petroleum supply chain and prevent criminal networks from exploiting weaknesses in the distribution system.
He said the operation would remain resolute in denying economic saboteurs opportunities to undermine government efforts to protect national resources.
The handover of the five tanker trucks to the NMDPRA marks another enforcement action by Operation Whirlwind as the Customs Service steps up efforts to curb the illegal diversion and movement of petroleum products.
The outcome of the regulatory investigation is expected to determine the next administrative steps concerning the intercepted trucks and their consignments.
