By Mu’awuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through Operation Whirlwind, has handed over a truck carrying 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in Katsina State.
The truck, bearing registration number SBA 146 SA, was intercepted by operatives of Operation Whirlwind along the Kano–Jigawa route at Birnin Kuka in Mashi Local Government Area of Katsina State while allegedly transporting diverted petroleum products in violation of existing regulations.
The handover ceremony took place at the Nigeria Customs Service, Katsina Area Command Headquarters.
Speaking during the event, the Deputy Comptroller of Customs in charge of Operation Whirlwind, Aliyu Abubakar, said the seizure demonstrated the Service’s commitment to curbing the diversion and smuggling of petroleum products and protecting Nigeria’s economy.
He explained that the truck was intercepted following credible intelligence and the vigilance of Operation Whirlwind personnel, adding that the operation remains committed to enforcing government policies aimed at preventing the illegal movement of petroleum products across the country.
Abubakar acknowledged the support of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for providing strategic coordination that has strengthened the operation’s effectiveness.
He also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeyini, and the Katsina Area Command for their leadership and unwavering support, while praising Operation Whirlwind officers for their professionalism and dedication.
The Deputy Comptroller warned individuals and syndicates involved in the diversion, hoarding, and smuggling of petroleum products to desist from such illegal activities, stressing that the Service would continue to identify, intercept, and prosecute offenders in accordance with the law.
Receiving the truck on behalf of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Katsina State Coordinator, Muhammad Umar, confirmed receipt of the truck loaded with 45,000 litres of PMS.
He assured that the Authority would ensure the petroleum product was delivered to its designated destination in line with regulatory procedures so that it reaches the communities and consumers for whom it was originally allocated.
Umar reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to working closely with the Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant agencies to curb the diversion of petroleum products, noting that such collaboration is vital to safeguarding government interventions and ensuring that Nigerians benefit from the intended distribution of the product.
In his remarks, the Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Katsina Area Command, M.S. Musa, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to combat fuel smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage.
He said the Command would continue to strengthen intelligence-driven operations, enhance collaboration with relevant stakeholders, and improve border surveillance to protect the nation’s economic interests.
He warned that those engaged in illicit trade should abandon such activities or face the full weight of the law.
Operation Whirlwind is a special enforcement initiative of the Nigeria Customs Service established to combat the illegal diversion and smuggling of petroleum products, particularly across border communities.
The initiative supports the Federal Government’s efforts to protect strategic national resources, strengthen energy security, and ensure the availability of petroleum products for legitimate consumers.