OPERATION WHIRLWIND INTERCEPTS 66,600 LITRES OF PMS IN KEBBI AXIS; HANDS OVER A TANKER TRUCK LADEN WITH 45,000 LITRES TO THE NMDPRA
By Timothy Paul Okorocha
No less than 21,600 litres of Premium motor spirit (PMS) and a tanker truck conveying 45,000 litres of petrol have been intercepted by the Operation Whirlwind within the zone B axis of kebbi state. The National Co-ordinator of the Team, Deputy Comptroller A.L Aliyu disclosed to newsmen in kebbi today.
He stated that the intercepted tanker laden with 45,000 litres of fuel, with registration number KLG 165 XA has been handed over to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for further regulatory action.
Aliyu pointed out that the tanker was intercepted along Jega road, kebbi state while conveying PMS that was originally meant for katsina distribution, as indicated in the NMDPRA Daily truck manifest.
‘Its presence along Jega road clearly indicates a case of illegal diversion of petroleum products, an act that undermines the nation’s economic stability and government regulatory framework’.
This brings the total volume of seized PMS to Twenty-One Thousand, Six Hundred (21,600) litres. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized petroleum products is estimated at Twenty-One Million, Six Hundred Thousand Naira Only (₦21,600,000).
“Transparency remains a key pillar of our operations. The auction exercise taking place today demonstrates our unwavering commitment to accountability, due process, and responsible management of seized petroleum products.”
All participants involved in this auction are expected to strictly adhere to the procedures and guidelines governing the exercise to ensure fairness, transparency, and compliance with extant regulations.
According to him, this successful interception is not only a victory for the Nigeria Customs Service but also a clear testament to the effectiveness of their collaborative partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Smuggling of petroleum products remains a significant challenge, often driven by economic disparities and the lure of quick illicit profits. However, assured Nigerians that the Nigeria Customs Service, under the proficient leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, FNIPR, DSM, PSC(+), and his entire management team, remains resolute in its mission to dismantle smuggling networks and bring economic saboteurs to justice.
At this point, he commends the officers and men of Operation Whirlwind for their bravery, vigilance, discipline, and professionalism in the discharge of their duties. “Your dedication continues to inspire confidence in our collective ability to protect Nigeria’s economic sovereignty.”
He said as they proceed with this auction exercise today, he assured Nigerians that Operation Whirlwind will continue to intensify surveillance, intelligence gathering, and enforcement activities across all operational Zones and Axis to curb the smuggling and diversion of petroleum products.
To members of the public, he urged them to remain vigilant and continue to support their efforts by reporting any suspicious activities related to petroleum smuggling or diversion to the nearest Nigeria Customs Service Formation.
In conclusion, he reiterated their unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the benefits of government policies reach every Nigerian. The Nigeria Customs Service will continue to adapt and innovate in its fight against smuggling by leveraging technology, intelligence, and inter-agency collaboration to stay ahead of criminal elements.
“Together, we can build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Nigeria, he said “