The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has transferred five tankers conveying 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.
Abdullahi said the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Aliyu, explained that the trucks were intercepted following credible intelligence.
He identified the vehicles by their registration numbers as BBR 634 XA, BRK 828 MF, YLA 243 XU, KTN 278 XZ and MUS 134 BX.
According to the statement, the five tankers were subsequently moved to Tasha Joli, opposite the 33 Military Barracks in Maiduguri, where they were kept.
Aliyu said initial checks on the Automotive Gas Oil, also known as diesel, showed possible irregularities and violations of regulations, which led to the handover to NMDPRA for further probe and action, adding that the handover was done on October 23 on the instruction of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.
According to him, the interception shows that Customs is serious about stopping illegal movement, diversion and smuggling of petroleum products through intelligence-led operations and working with other agencies.
The Operation Whirlwind Coordinator said Customs is stepping up efforts to track and break 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 enforcement will be carried out professionally and within the law.
He thanked the Comptroller-General, Customs management, the Office of the National Security Adviser, NMDPRA and personnel of Operation Whirlwind for their support, adding that the outcome of the investigation will determine the next steps.