D/COMPT ALIYU’S OPERATION WHIRLWIND WRESTLES WITH ECONOMIC SABOTEURS; INTERCEPTS N260 MILLION WORTH OF LPG, PMS BEING DIVERTED IN KANO
By Timothy Paul Okorocha
Three tanker truck loads of petroleum products suspected to be diverted have been intercepted by officers of the Operation Whirlwind in Kano. Two of the tanker trucks were ferrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) while the third tanker truck was loaded with premium motor spirit (PMS), all valued at more than N260 million (means of conveyance inclusive).
National Co-ordinator of the Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Lucky Aliyu disclosed to newsmen in Kano today while handing over the seized products to the NMDPRA. He said the tanker trucks were intercepted along Daura road, Kano, following credible intelligence and sustained surveillance by operatives of Whirlwind within the Kano/Jigawa/katsina axis.
Aliyu noted that preliminary investigations revealed that the petroleum products were originally destined for Birnin Kebbi and Argungu, as indicated in the NMDPRA Daily Truck manifest. However, circumstances surrounding their movements raised strong suspicions of diversion, warranting immediate interception in accordance with the mandate of Operation Whirlwind.
He said that today’s event reflects the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service, through Operation Whirlwind, to safeguarding Nigeria’s strategic petroleum resources and strengthening inter-agency collaboration in the fight against economic sabotage.
He stated that in line with the expanded operational mandate of Operation Whirlwind, which now covers not only Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) but also other regulated petroleum products such as Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK), and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), the Nigeria Customs Service is formally handing over to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) three tanker trucks bearing Registration Numbers FGE 570 XB, KMG 361 XA, and KMC 69 ZR, conveying suspected diverted Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
According to him, Operation Whirlwind was established as a strategic national initiative to combat the illegal diversion, smuggling, and cross-border trafficking of petroleum products. The operation remains a critical component of the Federal Government’s efforts to protect Nigeria’s energy security, safeguard public revenue, eliminate supply chain leakages, and ensure that products intended for domestic consumption reach their approved destinations.
He said that, the successful interception of these tanker trucks once again demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-driven enforcement and reinforces their collective determination to dismantle criminal networks engaged in the diversion and smuggling of petroleum products among others.
He deposed that today’s handover is not merely an administrative exercise. It represents a critical stage in the enforcement process, enabling the NMDPRA to commence comprehensive regulatory investigations, conduct forensic verification of the products and accompanying documentation, determine compliance with applicable regulations, and impose appropriate sanctions where violations are established.
According to him, the illegal diversion of petroleum products and other resources is far more than an economic offence. It constitutes an act of economic sabotage that threatens national development, compromises energy security, drains government revenue, distorts the petroleum supply chain, creates artificial scarcity, and undermines public confidence in the nation’s downstream petroleum sector.
The Co-ordinator said that Operation Whirlwind remains unwavering in its commitment to detect, deter, disrupt, and dismantle all forms of petroleum-related economic crimes across the country. They will continue to strengthen intelligence-driven operations, enhance surveillance capabilities, and deepen strategic collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure that individuals and syndicates involved in the illegal diversion, smuggling, and trafficking of petroleum products are identified, investigated, prosecuted where appropriate, and held fully accountable in accordance with the law.
He commended the dedication, professionalism, vigilance, and courage of the officers and men of Operation Whirlwind whose commitment made this successful interception possible. Their exemplary service reflects the highest standards of the Nigeria Customs Service and our collective commitment to protecting Nigeria’s economic interests.
According to him, as they carry out this handover, he expressed their profound appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), under the able leadership of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, mni, for its unwavering support and strategic direction. The Office’s sustained commitment, effective intelligence coordination, and collaborative approach have been instrumental in strengthening the operational capacity and overall success of Operation Whirlwind in combating petroleum-related economic crimes.
Their profound appreciation also goes to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, FNIPR, DSM, PSC(+), whose visionary leadership, steadfast support, and unwavering commitment to institutional excellence have continued to provide the strategic direction and operational impetus that underpin the success of Operation Whirlwind. They also extends their sincere gratitude to the Management of the Nigeria Customs Service for their invaluable guidance, sustained encouragement, and unwavering support, which have significantly contributed to the achievements recorded by the operation.
They also commend the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for its professionalism, technical competence, and steadfast commitment to effective regulatory oversight of the downstream petroleum sector. The Authority’s expertise and collaborative engagement have continued to strengthen our enforcement operations and enhance the integrity of the petroleum supply chain. This enduring partnership underscores the vital role of inter-agency cooperation in combating petroleum and other resources related economic crimes, promoting regulatory compliance, and safeguarding Nigeria’s energy security.
He also acknowledged the commitment of their partner security agencies, stakeholders, and patriotic Nigerians whose cooperation, vigilance, and timely intelligence continue to strengthen their collective resolve to dismantle smuggling syndicates and bring economic saboteurs to justice.
Stressing that today’s handover should serve as a clear and unequivocal warning to all unscrupulous individuals and criminal networks engaged in the illegal diversion, smuggling, and trafficking of petroleum products: the era of impunity is over.
The Nigeria Customs Service, through Operation Whirlwind, will continue to work in close collaboration with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and other relevant security and regulatory agencies to deploy every lawful measure to safeguard Nigeria’s petroleum resources, protect national revenue, preserve the integrity of the petroleum supply chain, and ensure that all offenders are brought to justice in accordance with the law.
“Together, we will remain resolute in safeguarding one of the nation’s most strategic economic assets, strengthening the integrity of the petroleum supply chain, and denying criminal networks every opportunity to undermine our collective efforts. Through sustained collaboration, vigilance, and decisive enforcement, we will ensure that economic saboteurs find no refuge anywhere within our operational environment”, he said