Customs Hands Over Five Tankers of Suspected Diverted Diesel to NMDPRA
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over five tanker trucks conveying suspected diverted diesel to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for further investigation.
The handover was carried out on Friday, October 23, following the interception of the tankers by operatives of Operation Whirlwind, a special enforcement unit of the NCS.
The Public Relations Officer of Operation Whirlwind, Chief Superintendent of Customs Hussaini Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement issued in Lagos.
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Aliyu, said the tankers were intercepted on July 6 at about 11 p.m. following credible intelligence.
According to him, the trucks, with registration numbers BBR 634 XA, BRK 828 MF, YLA 243 XU, KTN 278 XZ and MUS 134 BX, were subsequently deposited at Tasha Joli, opposite 33 Military Barracks, Maiduguri.
Aliyu explained that preliminary checks on the Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, raised concerns over possible irregularities and violations of petroleum product regulations.
He said the concerns necessitated the transfer of the tankers and their contents to the NMDPRA for further investigation and appropriate administrative action.
The Customs official added that the handover was carried out on the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.
Aliyu said the interception reflected the service’s commitment to combating the illegal movement, diversion and smuggling of petroleum products through intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with relevant agencies.
He noted that the service was intensifying efforts to identify and dismantle networks involved in the diversion and smuggling of petroleum products across the country.
“Operation Whirlwind remains steadfast in its commitment to proactive, intelligence-led operations and decisive enforcement,” he said.
Aliyu assured the public that enforcement activities would be conducted professionally and in accordance with the law.
He also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, the service’s management, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the NMDPRA and personnel of Operation Whirlwind for their support.
He said the outcome of the investigation would determine the next administrative steps.
