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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has transferred five tankers loaded with suspected diverted diesel to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for further investigation.

The Public Relations Officer of Operation Whirlwind, Chief Superintendent of Customs Hussaini Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement issued in Lagos on Friday.

He explained that the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Aliyu, said the tankers were seized following credible intelligence.

According to him, the vehicles, bearing registration numbers BBR 634 XA, BRK 828 MF, YLA 243 XU, KTN 278 XZ and MUS 134 BX, were subsequently taken to Tasha Joli, opposite the 33 Military Barracks in Maiduguri, where they were kept.

Aliyu stated that preliminary examinations of the Automotive Gas Oil, commonly known as diesel, revealed possible irregularities and breaches of regulations. This prompted the transfer of the tankers to NMDPRA for further investigation and necessary action.

He added that the handover took place on October 23, following a directive from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.

According to Aliyu, the operation demonstrates the Customs Service’s commitment to curbing the illegal transportation, diversion and smuggling of petroleum products through intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with relevant agencies.

The Operation Whirlwind coordinator said the service was intensifying efforts to identify and dismantle networks involved in fuel diversion and smuggling across the country.

“Operation Whirlwind remains steadfast in its commitment to proactive, intelligence-led operations and decisive enforcement,” he said.

Aliyu assured Nigerians that all enforcement activities would be conducted professionally and in accordance with the law.

He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General, Customs management, the Office of the National Security Adviser, NMDPRA and Operation Whirlwind personnel for their support, noting that the findings of the investigation would determine the subsequent actions.

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