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From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
The Operation Whirlwind of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) in charge of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara axis has intercepted Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) diverted from Nigeria worth N21,000,000 in Kebbi state smuggling flashpoints.
The Operations also arrested a Tanker with 45,000 litres of PMS for diversion and handed it over to the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority for further investigation.
National Coordinator of the Operation,Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Abubakar Lucky Aliyu disclosed this while addressing newsmen in Birnin Kebbi alongside the Commander of in charge of Sokoto Kebbi and Zamfara states, Ntongha Edet and Kebbi State Area Command Comptroller,Comptroller Mahmoud Matawalle Ibrahim.
While briefing newsmen, Aliyu explained that, through the relentless efforts of Operation Whirlwind in combating the smuggling of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and protecting Nigeria’s economic interests have once again yielded significant results.
“Today, at this important public auction exercise on the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, I am pleased to present to you the outcome of recent intelligence-driven operations carried out by officers of Operation Whirlwind across various smuggling flashpoints within the Zone B Axis of Kebbi State .
“Through coordinated surveillance and enforcement actions, a total of 864 Jerry-cans of PMS, each containing 25 litres, were intercepted at different smuggling flashpoints including Bagudo Axis, Tsamiya, Jega/Kamba, Zaria Kala-Kala, Maje, Dakin Gari, Dakingari, and Tuger Waterside Axis.
“This brings the total volume of seized PMS to Twenty-One Thousand, Six Hundred (21,600) litres. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized petroleum products is estimated at ₦21,600,000.
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“Furthermore, today’s exercise also includes the formal handing over of One (1) tanker truck with Registration Number KLG 165 XA, conveying 45,000 litres of PMS, to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for further regulatory action.
“This tanker was intercepted along Jega Road, Kebbi State on the 6th of March, 2026 while conveying PMS that was originally meant for Katsina distribution, as indicated in the NMDPRA Daily Truck Manifest. Its presence along Jega Road clearly indicates a case of illegal diversion of petroleum products, an act that undermines the nation’s economic stability and government regulatory framework”.
Aliyu added that,in line with the established procedures, the tanker would be handed over to the NMDPRA, the appropriate regulatory authority, for further investigation and necessary administrative action.
The National Coordinator of the Operation,said that the successful interception of the items was not only a victory for the Nigeria Customs Service but also a clear testament to the effectiveness of our collaborative partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
“Smuggling of petroleum products remains a significant challenge, often driven by economic disparities and the lure of quick illicit profits. However, I want to assure Nigerians that the Nigeria Customs Service, under the proficient leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his entire management team, remains resolute in its mission to dismantle smuggling networks and bring economic saboteurs to justice”.
He commended the officers and men of Operation Whirlwind for their bravery, vigilance, discipline, and professionalism in the discharge of their duties stressed that their dedication continues to inspire confidence in the Customs collective ability to protect Nigeria’s economic sovereignty.
