Nigeria Customs Intercepts Five Diesel Tankers in Borno Over Diversion Suspicions

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its crackdown on the illicit movement of petroleum products, announcing the interception of five tankers suspected of carrying diverted diesel in Borno State. The vehicles have been formally handed over to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for a comprehensive investigation.

Details of the Interception

According to a statement released by Chief Superintendent of Customs Hussaini Abdullahi, the Public Relations Officer for Operation Whirlwind, the operation was driven by credible intelligence. The tankers, identified by plate numbers BBR 634 XA, BRK 828 MF, YLA 243 XU, KTN 278 XZ, and MUS 134 BX, were secured at Tasha Joli, located opposite the 33 Military Barracks in Maiduguri.

Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Aliyu, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, stated that initial inspections of the Automotive Gas Oil (AGO)—commonly known as diesel—revealed potential regulatory violations. The handover to the NMDPRA took place on October 23, acting on the directives of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.

Regulatory Oversight and Enforcement

The involvement of the NMDPRA is standard procedure in cases involving the distribution and movement of petroleum products. As the primary regulator for the midstream and downstream sectors in Nigeria, the authority is tasked with ensuring compliance with industry standards and preventing the illegal diversion of fuel, which can lead to artificial scarcity and price instability.

While the Customs service has confirmed the handover, specific details regarding the origin of the fuel, the intended destination, and the identities of the operators remain under investigation. The NCS has indicated that the outcome of the NMDPRA’s probe will dictate the subsequent legal actions taken against those involved.

Strategic Focus of Operation Whirlwind

Operation Whirlwind represents a broader effort by the NCS to curb the smuggling and unauthorized diversion of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders and within its interior. Deputy Comptroller Aliyu emphasized that the service is utilizing intelligence-led strategies to dismantle the networks responsible for these activities.

“Operation Whirlwind remains steadfast in its commitment to proactive, intelligence-led operations and decisive enforcement,” Aliyu stated, adding that the agency is working in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and other relevant stakeholders to secure the petroleum supply chain.

The NCS has reiterated its commitment to professional conduct, noting that all enforcement activities are being carried out within the parameters of Nigerian law. As the investigation continues, the agency maintains that such operations are essential to ensuring that petroleum products reach their intended markets without illegal interference.

Conclusion

The interception in Borno serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to regulate the petroleum sector. By coordinating between the Customs service and the NMDPRA, the government aims to mitigate the impact of fuel diversion on the national economy. Further updates are expected once the regulatory authority concludes its assessment of the seized cargo.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Daily Post Nigeria

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