D/COMPT ALIYU SAYS PETROLEUM DIVERSION IS AN ECONOMIC SABOTAGE; AS OPERATION WHIRLWIND INTERCEPTS N256 MILLION AVIATION FUEL UP NORTH
By Timothy Paul Okorocha
A major seizure of two truck-loads of JET A1, valued at more than N256 million (product and means of conveyance) has been recorded in Kano by men of the Operation Whirlwind.
The Anti-smuggling expert and National Co-ordinator of the Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller Abubakar Lucky Aliyu, disclosed this today at the formal handing over of the product to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in the ancient city.
This is about the first time this team is intercepting aviation fuel which has remained scarce in the last three months due largely to the US-Iran war.
Aliyu who has shown capacity since his assumption of office more than six months ago, said, in the spirit of institutional synergy and effective collaboration, Operation Whirlwind, is formally handing over to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) Two (2) tanker trucks, with Registration Numbers DKA 280 XY and T 174 11 LA, conveying suspected diverted Jet A1 (Aviation Turbine Fuel), for further regulatory investigation and necessary action in accordance with the law.
According to him, the tankers were intercepted along Zaria Road on 2nd July, 2026, following credible intelligence and sustained surveillance by our operatives. Preliminary findings revealed that the products being conveyed were originally designated for Octavus Depot, Abuja, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, respectively, as reflected in the NMDPRA Daily Truck Manifest. The circumstances surrounding the movement of these products raised strong suspicions of diversion, necessitating immediate interception in line with the mandate of Operation Whirlwind.
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 safeguard Nigeria’s energy security, protect government revenue, eliminate supply chain leakages, and ensure that petroleum products intended for legitimate domestic consumption reach their designated destinations without unlawful interference.
He stated that the successful interception of these tanker trucks demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and reinforces our collective determination to dismantle criminal networks involved in the diversion of petroleum products.
He deposed that today’s handover is not merely an administrative or procedural exercise. It represents a critical stage in the enforcement process, enabling the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to commence comprehensive regulatory investigations, carry out forensic verification of the products and accompanying documentation, establish compliance or otherwise with extant regulations, and apply appropriate sanctions where violations are established.
He stressed that Fuel diversion is far more than an economic offence. It is an act of sabotage against national development, a threat to aviation safety, a drain on government revenue, and a direct attack on Nigeria’s economic stability and energy security. Such criminal activities distort the supply chain, create artificial scarcity, undermine public confidence, and jeopardize critical national infrastructure.
According to him, Operation Whirlwind remains resolute in its mission to detect, deter, disrupt, and dismantle all forms of petroleum-related economic crimes across the country. They shall continue to deploy intelligence, surveillance, and strategic partnerships to ensure that those engaged in these illicit activities are identified and brought to justice.
He commends the vigilance, professionalism, and unwavering dedication of the officers and men of Operation Whirlwind whose commitment made this interception possible. Their courage and discipline continue to demonstrate the high standards of the Nigeria Customs Service in protecting the nation’s economic interests.
As they undertake this handover, he sincerely acknowledge the invaluable support and strategic leadership provided by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) under the leadership of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, mni. His strategic guidance, intelligence coordination, and steadfast commitment to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges have significantly strengthened the effectiveness of Operation Whirlwind.
Their profound appreciation also goes to the Comptroller-General of Customs, whose visionary leadership, unwavering support, and commitment to institutional excellence have continued to provide the necessary direction and resources for the success of this operation. They equally appreciates the entire Management of the Nigeria Customs Service for their continuous encouragement and support.
They also commend the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for its professionalism, technical expertise, and robust regulatory framework, which continue to complement our enforcement efforts. This enduring partnership reflects the importance of inter-agency collaboration in addressing systemic challenges within Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
Furthermore, he acknowledged the commitment of all partner security agencies, stakeholders, and patriotic Nigerians whose cooperation and timely information continue to strengthen their resolve in dismantling smuggling syndicates and bringing economic saboteurs to justice.
He stressed that today’s handover should send a strong and unmistakable message to all those involved in the illegal diversion and smuggling of petroleum products: the era of impunity is over. The Nigeria Customs Service, through Operation Whirlwind, working in close collaboration with the NMDPRA, ONSA, and other relevant stakeholders, will continue to pursue every legitimate means to protect Nigeria’s petroleum resources, preserve national revenue, and uphold the rule of law.
“Together, we shall continue to safeguard the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, strengthen the integrity of the petroleum supply chain, and ensure that criminal elements have no safe haven within our operational space” he said.