The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its special enforcement operation, Operation Whirlwind, has seized two trucks loaded with a combined 120,000 litres of petrol suspected to have been diverted from their approved destination.
Kola Olawole, the coordinator of Operation Whirlwind in Zone B, explained that the trucks, each carrying 60,000 litres, were intercepted on October 4 along the Sokoto-Illela road. The consignment was originally documented for delivery in Kano but was allegedly diverted towards Sokoto State.
Speaking to journalists in Sokoto on Friday, Olawole revealed that the drivers of the trucks, bearing registration numbers DKA 309 XA and GSW 321 XA, fled the scene when operatives attempted to apprehend them.
“Our investigation indicates that petrol was being diverted for smuggling through the Illela border. The offences involve irregular routing and documentation anomalies, which are clear violations of existing laws,” Olawole said.
He stressed that fuel diversion was more than an economic crime as it undermines national development, energy security and the general welfare of citizens.
Olawole further noted that Operation Whirlwind had significantly contributed to stabilising petrol supply across the country by curbing smuggling and related illicit activities.
The seized tankers were handed over to Mr Ali Ajimi, the Sokoto/Kebbi coordinator for the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
