Customs Operation Whirlwind Hands Over Two Tankers Conveying Suspected Diverted Jet A1 to NMDPRA
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through the Operation Whirlwind team, Kano/Jigawa/ Kastina axis has handed over two tanker trucks conveying suspected diverted Jet A1 (Aviation Turbine Fuel) to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for further investigation.
The handover took place on 17th July, 2026 at the Customs House in Kano, where the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller Abu Aliyu said the action demonstrates the Service’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s petroleum resources and combating economic sabotage through enhanced inter-agency collaboration.
The two tanker trucks, bearing registration numbers DKA 280 XY and T 174 11 LA, were intercepted along Zaria Road on July 2, 2026, following credible intelligence and sustained surveillance by Operation Whirlwind operatives.
According to the National Coordinator, preliminary investigations revealed that the aviation fuel being transported was originally destined for Octavus Depot, Abuja, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, as indicated in the NMDPRA Daily Truck Manifest. However, the movement of the products raised strong suspicions of diversion, prompting their immediate interception.
He explained that the handover would enable the NMDPRA to conduct comprehensive regulatory investigations, carry out forensic verification of the products and accompanying documents, determine compliance with existing regulations, and impose appropriate sanctions where necessary.
Aliyu described fuel diversion as a serious threat to the nation’s economy, warning that the illegal practice undermines aviation safety, depletes government revenue, distorts the petroleum supply chain, creates artificial scarcity, and threatens Nigeria’s energy security.
He noted that Operation Whirlwind was established to combat the illegal diversion, smuggling and cross-border trafficking of petroleum products, adding that intelligence-driven operations would continue to be deployed to dismantle criminal networks involved in petroleum-related economic crimes across the country.
The National Coordinator commended the officers and men of Operation Whirlwind for their professionalism and vigilance, saying their commitment made the successful interception possible.
He also acknowledged the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management of the Nigeria Customs Service for providing the strategic leadership and operational backing that have strengthened the
DC Aliyu further praised the NMDPRA for its technical expertise and regulatory role, describing the partnership between both agencies as crucial to addressing challenges in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
He reaffirmed that the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with the NMDPRA, ONSA and other security agencies, would continue to pursue those involved in the illegal diversion and smuggling of petroleum products.
“Fuel diversion is far more than an economic offence. It is an act of sabotage against national development, a threat to aviation safety, a drain on government revenue, and a direct attack on Nigeria’s economic stability and energy security.
“The era of impunity is over. We will continue to pursue every legitimate means to protect Nigeria’s petroleum resources, preserve national revenue and uphold the rule of law,” he stated.
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