Customs Operation Whirlwind Hands Over Three Intercepted Tankers With Diverted LPG, PMS to NMDPRA in Kano
Deputy Comptroller Lucky Aliyu, the National Coordinator of Nigeria Customs Service, Operation Whirlwind, on Tuesday formally handed over three tanker trucks conveying suspected diverted Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) at the Customs House in Kano.
DC Aliyu acting on the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said the trucks — with registration numbers FGE 570 XB, KMG 361 XA and KMC 69 ZR — were intercepted along Daura Road, Kano, on 25 July 2026 following credible intelligence and sustained surveillance by operatives of the Kano/Jigawa/Katsina Axis.
According to DC Aliyu, preliminary findings showed that the petroleum products were originally destined for Birnin Kebbi and Argungu as indicated in the NMDPRA Daily Truck Manifest. However, the circumstances of their movement raised strong suspicions of diversion, prompting immediate interception in line with the expanded mandate of Operation Whirlwind.
The operation, which now covers not only PMS but also Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK) and LPG, was established to combat the illegal diversion, smuggling and cross-border trafficking of petroleum products. The National Coordinator described the successful interception as further proof of the effectiveness of intelligence-driven enforcement in protecting Nigeria’s energy security, safeguarding public revenue and eliminating supply chain leakages.
He stressed that the illegal diversion of petroleum products constitutes economic sabotage that threatens national development, creates artificial scarcity, drains government revenue and undermines public confidence in the downstream petroleum sector.
“Today’s handover is not merely an administrative exercise. It represents a critical stage in the enforcement process, enabling the NMDPRA to commence comprehensive regulatory investigations, conduct forensic verification of the products and accompanying documentation, determine compliance with applicable regulations, and impose appropriate sanctions where violations are established,” the National Coordinator said.
He reaffirmed Operation Whirlwind’s commitment to detect, deter, disrupt and dismantle all forms of petroleum-related economic crimes across the country, while pledging stronger intelligence-driven operations and deeper collaboration with relevant agencies.
The National Coordinator specifically commended the Office of the National Security Adviser under Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for its strategic direction and intelligence coordination, as well as the Comptroller-General of Customs for providing visionary leadership. He also acknowledged the professionalism of the NMDPRA and the support of partner security agencies and patriotic Nigerians.
He issued a clear warning to those involved in the illegal diversion and trafficking of petroleum products: “The era of impunity is over.” The Nigeria Customs Service, he said, will continue to work closely with the NMDPRA, the Office of the National Security Adviser and other relevant agencies to safeguard the nation’s petroleum resources and bring offenders to justice.
The three tanker trucks have now been transferred to the NMDPRA for further regulatory investigation and necessary action.
One Comment