Get Guardian on Google…Auctions 6,125 litres of seized PMS
The Nigeria Customs Service, through Operation Whirlwind, has formally handed over one intercepted truck conveying diverted Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, in Calabar.
The truck, with registration number KAM 63663XA, was handed over during a strategic media briefing in Calabar, alongside the public auction of 245 jerry cans of 25 litres each, totalling 6,125 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, intercepted by operatives of Operation Whirlwind, Zone C, Calabar Axis.
The National Coordinator, Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Mahmood Bello said the truck was intercepted by operatives of Operation Whirlwind based on credible intelligence on the 15th of October, 2026, at about 1500 hours along Calabar-Akpabuyo-Ikang Road.
Bello said upon interception, the accompanying waybill indicated Gwagwalada FCT, Abuja, as the designated destination of the consignment. However, the discovery of the truck along Akpabuyo Road, which is inconsistent with the stated destination, raised reasonable suspicions of possible diversion of the petroleum product from its intended route.
He said the activities underscore the unwavering determination of the Service to enforce compliance with extant petroleum regulations, protect the nation’s economic interest and ensure petroleum products meant for legitimate domestic consumption are not unlawfully diverted.
“The illegal diversion and smuggling of petroleum products remain a severe threat to our national economy, energy security and public interest. Such activities undermine government policies, distort legitimate petroleum supply chain, encourage economic sabotage and deprive the nation of the benefits of natural resources,” Bello said.
He said the interception of the LPG truck is a demonstration of commitment to ensuring petroleum products are transported, distributed and utilised in accordance with established regulatory guidelines.
“The formal handing over to NMDPRA further demonstrates the importance of inter-agency cooperation in ensuring appropriate regulatory actions and accountability,” he said.
Bello said the 6,125 litres of PMS were seized across identified flashpoints, including Ikang Road, Bakassi, Ibaka and Mfum, with a total paid duty value of N6,125,000.
He said the public auction is being conducted in accordance with established procedures and applicable guidelines.
“This exercise reinforces our commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible management of seized petroleum products, particularly those requiring prompt disposal due to their volatile nature,” he said.
Bello appreciated the Comptroller-General of Customs and management team for continuous support, and commended the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), as well as officers and men of Operation Whirlwind Zone C for diligence, professionalism and commitment to duty.
He warned that as the festive season approaches, intelligence reports indicate possibility of increased attempts at illegal diversion and smuggling of petroleum products.
“Consequently, all commanders must heighten their operational readiness, strengthen surveillance around identified flashpoints and ensure that credible intelligence is promptly acted upon,” he said.
Bello reiterated that the mandate goes beyond seizures, stressing that identified offenders must be properly investigated and prosecuted in collaboration with relevant authorities to serve as deterrent to others.
As newly appointed National Coordinator, he assured of purposeful leadership, strengthened operational efficiency and building on achievements already recorded.
“We shall continue to pursue a more coordinated, intelligence-driven and result-oriented approach to ensure that the objective of Operation Whirlwind is fully achieved,” he said.
“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 effort.”
“Through sustained collaboration, vigilance and decisive enforcement, we will ensure that economic saboteurs find no refuge anywhere within our operational environment,” he added.
Earllier, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa-Ibom Area Command, Nkiruka Nwala, restated the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to combating diversion, illegal distribution and smuggling of petroleum products.
“This event underscores the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to combating the diversion, illegal distribution and smuggling of petroleum products, which threaten our national economy and energy security.”
She said the formal handover of the LPG tanker to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, further demonstrates the importance of inter-agency collaboration in ensuring regulatory compliance and accountability in the petroleum sector.
Nwala particularly appreciated the NMDPRA representative and other stakeholders for their partnership, as well as members of the press for continued support in informing the public about activities of the Service.
“I am confident that today’s briefing will provide valuable insight into the achievements and operational efforts of Operation Whirlwind,” she said.
Receiving the truck, the NMDPRA Calabar Field Office representative, Mrs Joy Okor-Odey appreciated the Nigeria Customs Service, Operation Whirlwind, for its remarkable interception and sustained collaboration with the NMDPRA.
She said the exercise aims to deepen inter-agency collaboration, ensure energy security and serve as deterrent.
“No single agency can secure Nigeria’s petroleum sector alone. What we are witnessing today is a practical demonstration of inter-agency synergy. Customs intercepted, we investigated, we sanctioned the company in line with the PIA 2021, and today we are taking over for proper regulatory handling, and this is how it should work,” she said.
“Let me use this opportunity to sound a clear warning to operators who engage in diversion, adulteration, and illegal movement of petroleum products. This arrest and handover should serve as a hindrance and a deterrent to others,” she said.
“The Authority will not tolerate any act that sabotages the Federal Government’s effort in ensuring availability and safe distribution of petroleum products. We will continue to investigate, apply appropriate regulatory sanctions, and handover criminal cases to relevant security agencies for prosecution when necessary.”
She disclosed that NMDPRA has concluded its preliminary investigation, and the concerned company has paid the applicable regulatory fine.
“We assure you that this product will be handled professionally in line with safety standards due to the volatile nature of LPG,” she said.
