By: Abdullahi Inuwa
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Katsina Area Command, in collaboration with Operation Whirlwind, has handed over a detained oil tanker loaded with 60,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for further investigation.
The tanker, bearing registration number TRN 781 XA and reportedly owned by Kitabu wa Sunnah Group of Company, was intercepted on suspicion of being diverted from its approved destination.
Speaking during the handover ceremony held at Lolo Dakare Garage, Katsina, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Saidu Musa, said the seizure underscored the Command’s determination to combat petroleum smuggling and other illicit cross-border activities.
He noted that the interception reflected the vigilance and professionalism of Customs personnel in protecting Nigeria’s economic interests and ensuring compliance with laws regulating the movement of petroleum products.
Musa reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to working closely with relevant agencies to tackle economic sabotage and safeguard critical national assets. He warned smugglers and their collaborators to steer clear of illegal activities, stressing that intelligence-driven operations would continue to target offenders.
Also speaking, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Aliyu Abubakar, commended the Katsina Area Command for its dedication to the operation’s objectives.
He explained that Operation Whirlwind was established to curb the illegal diversion and smuggling of petroleum products, describing the practice as a major threat to Nigeria’s economy and energy security.
Abubakar assured Nigerians that surveillance and enforcement activities would be intensified across border communities and other vulnerable locations.
In his remarks, the Katsina State Coordinator of NMDPRA, Mr Umar Mohammed, praised Customs for the successful interception and handover of the tanker.
He described the action as a clear example of effective inter-agency collaboration and pledged that the Authority would carry out the necessary investigations in line with its statutory mandate.
Mohammed reiterated NMDPRA’s commitment to transparency, accountability and strict compliance within the downstream petroleum sector.
The handover ceremony highlighted the shared resolve of the Nigeria Customs Service and NMDPRA to protect national resources, promote lawful trade and shield the economy from the damaging effects of smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage.
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