NATIONAL CO-ORDINATOR OPERATION WHIRLWIND HANDS OVER 3 SEIZED FUEL TANKERS TO NMDPRA; GIVES OUT 40,750 LITRES FOR PUBLIC AUCTION

NATIONAL CO-ORDINATOR OPERATION WHIRLWIND HANDS OVER 3 SEIZED FUEL TANKERS TO NMDPRA; GIVES OUT 40,750 LITRES FOR PUBLIC AUCTION

By Timothy Paul Okorocha

National Co-ordinator of the Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller A.L Aliyu has announced the interception of four tankers loaded with premium motor spirit (PMS). Also, more than 1630 Jerry cans of petrol worth N40.750 million were seized.

He said their interception was not accidental, but a product of intelligence-driven operations, vigilance, and the uncompromising resolve of the Operation Whirlwind to safeguard Nigeria’s economic and energy security. Briefing newsmen today during the handover of three fuel tankers laden with more than 159,000 litres of fuel to the NDMPRA and the auctioning of some of the products seized in Jerry cans, he said within a space of nine weeks, his operatives relentlessly intensified surveillance and enforcement operations across critical border communities.

The interception was made across notorious smuggling routes including Aso-Odo,Seme, Owode-Apa, Ajilete, Ijoun, Ilaro, Badagry, Idiroko, Eree, and Imeko axis. The transportation and movement of petroleum products are governed by clearly defined regulatory frameworks and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) established to prevent diversion, smuggling, hoarding, and economic sabotage.

The items in question were found to have contravened the established SOP of Operation Whirlwind. Such violations undermine government policy, distort market stability, and deprive our nation of critical revenue.The border corridors of Owode Apa, Seme, and Badagry remain sensitive economic arteries. These routes have historically been exploited for illegal cross-border petroleum movements. However, let it be clearly stated: under our watch, there will be no safe haven for economic saboteurs.

Today’s exercise reflects two critical principles:

1. Inter-Agency Collaboration. In furtherance of our operational mandate, and pursuant to established inter-agency, collaboration frameworks, we are formally handing over to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum
Regulatory Authority for appropriate sanctions. This singular action underscores our strong institutional synergy. While the NCS enforces border control and anti-smuggling mandates, the NMDPRA regulates petroleum. 2. In order ensure accountability and transparency, the seized 1,630 Jerry-cans of PMS will, in accordance with extant regulations, be auctioned to the general public.

This Public Auction is in line with regulatory procedure that distribution and ensures compliance within the downstream sector. This collaboration ensures due process, transparency, and regulatory integrity  demonstrates our commitment to accountability. Seized items are not hidden, diverted, or mismanaged. They are processed strictly in accordance with extant laws and guidelines.

Let me make this categorically clear: Operations Whirlwind is not against legitimate trade. We are against economic
sabotage. We are not against transporters. We are against violators of national law. Petroleum products are strategic commodities. Given their volatile nature and their impact on national revenue and energy stability, strict compliance is
non-negotiable. Every liter diverted illegally is a blow to our economy, our security, and the welfare of our citizens.

We must commend the effort of NMDPRA, whose technical expertise and robust regulatory framework ensure that enforcement actions are aligned with global best practices while at the same time addressing systemic vulnerabilities within the petroleum distribution chain.

To our officers and men, I commend your professionalism, discipline, and courage. Your vigilance continues to protect Nigeria’s economic sovereignty. We also acknowledge the critical strategic role played by the Office of the
National Security Adviser (ONSA) under the leadership of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu mni, whose guidance and policy direction continues to strengthen coordinated security operations across the country.

Furthermore, we deeply appreciate the unwavering support of the CGC and his management team, whose leadership has provided the operational backing necessary for the success of Operation whirlwind. To potential offenders, consider this a firm warning: the era of impunity is over. We remain intelligence-driven, technology-supported, and operationally proactive. Any attempt to circumvent the law will be met with swift interception and lawful consequences.

 

To members of the public, we urge cooperation. Economic security is a collective responsibility. If you see something suspicious, say something. National development thrives when citizens and enforcement agencies work
hand in hand.

In conclusion, today’s event is not merely about handing over and auctioning fuel tankers. It is a reaffirmation of our resolve to enforce compliance, uphold due process, and protect Nigeria’s economic interests. Operations Whirlwind remains steadfast. We remain vigilant. We remain committed.