Customs’ Operation Whirlwind Hands Over Five Tanker Trucks Carrying Suspected Diverted Diesel to NMDPRA
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its Operation Whirlwind, has handed over five tanker trucks conveying suspected diverted Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) popularly known as diesel to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for further regulatory investigation and necessary administrative action.
The trucks bear the following registration numbers: BBR 634 XA, BRK 828 MF, YLA 243 XU, KTN 278 XZ, and MUS 134 BX.
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abubakar Lucky Aliyu, disclosed this during the handover ceremony held on Friday, October 23, 2026.
DC Aliyu revealed that the trucks were intercepted by operatives of Operation Whirlwind on July 6, 2026, at about 23:00 hours, based on credible intelligence. The trucks were subsequently deposited at Tasha Joli, opposite 33 Military Barracks, Maiduguri.
He noted that preliminary checks conducted on the suspected diverted and transloaded consignments following the interception raised concerns about possible irregularities and infractions.
Aliyu stated that the operation highlighted the critical importance of inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing, and coordinated enforcement in combating the illegal movement, diversion, and smuggling of petroleum products.
He explained that the interception served as a clear warning to individuals, syndicates, and networks involved in the illegal diversion and smuggling of petroleum products, as well as other related illicit activities, that “the tide is turning against petroleum smuggling, illegal diversion, and all associated economic crimes.”
He reiterated Operation Whirlwind’s commitment to proactive, intelligence-led operations, and decisive enforcement.
“We will continue to identify, track, and intercept illicit activities, dismantle smuggling networks, and intensify efforts to curb the illegal movement and diversion of petroleum products wherever they occur,” Aliyu pledged.
The National Coordinator also emphasised that all operational activities would be conducted professionally, in strict compliance with the law and in accordance with established procedures.
He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the entire management team of the Nigeria Customs Service for their continued support and commitment to the objectives of Operation Whirlwind.
Aliyu also commended the leadership and personnel of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the NMDPRA, as well as the officers and men of Operation Whirlwind, for their diligence, professionalism, and commitment to duty.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s petroleum resources and ensuring that these vital national assets are utilised in a manner that benefits all Nigerians.
The Deputy Comptroller reassured the public that Operation Whirlwind would continue to enhance its surveillance capabilities, strengthen intelligence gathering, deepen inter-agency collaboration, and intensify enforcement across all operational fronts.
He further reiterated the operation’s commitment to safeguarding one of the nation’s most strategic economic assets, strengthening the integrity of the petroleum supply chain, and denying criminal networks any opportunity to undermine collective efforts.
He added that, through sustained collaboration, vigilance, and decisive enforcement, Operation Whirlwind would ensure that economic saboteurs found no refuge within its operational environment.
